Police: Colo. couple injured in car bomb, victim's ex-husband person of interest

(CBS/AP) LAFAYETTE, Colo. - A Colorado couple was seriously injured after an explosive device went off in their car while they were driving. Authorities believe the woman's ex-husband is a person of interest in the case.

CBS Denver reports that Allyson Stone, 44, and her current husband, Christopher Stone, 59, were hospitalized with burns after the Saturday explosion.

Police say the couple found the bag beside their car as they were preparing to drive to Boulder, and brought it into the car with them. Christopher Stone told investigators it exploded as his wife began to open it after they had driven about a block.

Approximately 20 homes were evacuated as police investigated the surrounding area. When no explosives were found about 8 hours later, residents were allowed to return.

Lafayette Police Cmdr. Gene McCausey said Sunday that Allyson Stone's former husband, Michal Anthony Brittain, 55, is now considered a person of interest in the case.

MCausey said police and the FBI searched Brittain's home on Saturday night and many items were seized, but Brittain is not in custody and has not been charged.

Allyson and Brittain have had problems in the past, police say. Court records show Brittain was charged with domestic violence in August 2003.

Allyson Stone was in the news in 2010 when she was severely bitten by a dog named "Spork" at the veterinary clinic where she worked. Neighbors say there were threats against her after that attack.

There were online threats posted saying Allyson should be punished for being upset about having been bitten. Neighbors said she received hate mail and the animal hospital received death threats for nearly a year.

Investigators have not ruled out ties to the biting incident in the Saturday bombing.