String of mailbox explosions in Carroll County prompts investigation
BALTIMORE -- The Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating after a series of mailbox explosions in the Manchester and Westminster area.
Officials learned of the explosions Sunday, Jan. 12, after the Carroll County Sheriff's Office said they received a complaint of a mailbox explosion in the 3000 block of Traceys Mill Road.
Authorities have investigated eight other mailbox explosions, including one in the 4000 block of Wentz Road in Manchester and one in the 2000 block of Cedar Ridge Road in Westminster. All of these explosions are believed to have occurred overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.
"We didn't hear anything," said Geoff Auffarth, who had his mailbox destroyed. "We just were riding down and we looked and noticed the mailbox wasn't there."
Evidence suggests fireworks were placed in the mailboxes, according to investigators.
Those in the area who had their mailbox damaged due to an explosive and did not already report it are asked to call the Northeast Regional Arson Tipline at 410-386-3050.
Residents react to damaged mailboxes
Carroll County residents are trying to determine who and why their mailboxes were destroyed.
"Our initial thought was some kids with a baseball bat having some fun but that thing was destroyed," Auffarth said.
"I thought it might have been a snowplow, but then when I looked, it was all bulged out so you could tell something when off inside," another resident said.
Residents believe fireworks were placed into the mailboxes, and used as explosives.
"It was a fear that we were being targeted, but then when I saw others in the same boat, I didn't feel any safety concerns," Auffarth said.
Oliver Alkire, from the State Fire Marshals Office, voiced concerns over possible escalation if crimes like these are taken lightly.
"It's just vandalism, and certainly, what we are worried about is that escalating, someone getting hurt, either the individual (s) putting these devices in, or the unfortunate unlikely homeowner that's going to get injured," Alkire said.
Residents left a message for the culprits.
"There are more constructive ways to get out your feelings without damaging property," Auffarth said.
