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Mailbox attacks investigated |
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Written by Reporter1
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Friday, 20 June 2008 |
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Page 2 of 2
authorities.
The attacks constitute not only state crimes, but also federal crimes, because some mail has been destroyed, Sheriff Chuck Padgett said.
So far, no one has been injured.
The mailbox incidents "have occurred in various parts of Adams County, however most have occurred in an area east of Monroe and south of Pleasant Mills," according to a report by Padgett issued today.
The sheriff said the attacks, using homemade "destructive devices" that either blow up mailboxes or cause small fires inside them, have damaged more than a dozen mailboxes in the past two to three weeks.
The statement said the acts "have been committed by unknown suspects by placing incendiary devices in mailboxes and then igniting the devices, which causes a caustic (acid) explosion or fire to occur."
In every incident except the latest one, which occurred on Wednesday this week, the devices were destroyed by a blast or a fire, the sheriff said. On Wednesday, however, in the rural Monroe area, Padgett said one of the devices was found intact in a mailbox and was removed from the scene by a state trooper trained in handling dangerous items.
Padgett said the device, which was two inches in diameter, four to 4.5 inches long, wrapped in tape, and with an exposed fuse, will be detonated by the ISP at an unknown location.
The sheriff also urged local residents to do two things in regard to this unusual situation:
First, if anyone sees any such device in or near a mailbox, or anywhere else, do not go near it, do not touch it, and immediately call the police right at 911.
Second, if anyone sees a person or persons acting suspiciously around mailboxes, try to get a description of the individual and a description of the vehicle, its license plate number, etc.
Any tips about these crimes may be turned in to the sheriff''s office by calling 724-5345 or 724-7141 or by using the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline number: 692-2882. Reports may also be made to www.adamscountycrimestoppers.com
Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards to people whose anonymous calls solve crimes.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 23 June 2008 )
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