Fireworks linked to 2 mailbox bombings
By BARRY HALVORSON news@leader-news.com

L-N Photo byChris Barbee Not Much Left A Wilson Road mailbox targeted in a fireworks bombing last week was completely destroyed with bricks and other debris stretched across several feet. The incident is under investigation by the Wharton County Sheriff's Department and the ATF. The act is potentially a federal crime.

Two separate instances of exploding mailboxes during the New Year's break are being investigated by the Wharton County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff's Lt. Daniel Marek said explosives thought to have been made from fireworks were used in both instances. He added the sheriff's office has contacted the U.S. Office of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms out of Victoria to assist in the investigation.

"We are asking for their help in determining where the people might be getting the information to build the bombs and who might be selling sparklers and other fireworks in bulk quantities to build them."

The suspects in the cases are teens and range between being juveniles and adults, he said, adding that while the suspects might think of their actions only as a prank, they can have serious consequences.

"They've moved from being festive to malicious and destructive in doing something like this," he said. "We aren't talking about backyard fireworks shows, but cases of individuals con- structing explosive devices that are capable of injuring or even killing an innocent bystander."

He added those involved ages 17 or older could be charged as adults. And depending on the results of the ATF investigation, they could be charged in federal court.

The first incident was called in at 10:05 p.m. Dec. 29 from the 1700 block of Wilson Road in El Campo. Marek said neighbors heard a loud noise and raced out of their homes.

Among those investigating the noise was off-duty El Campo Police Lt. Terry Stanphill. Stanphill told investigators he saw a dark-colored pickup flee the scene north on Wilson Road.

The explosion blew up both a mailbox and the red brick stand it was built into. Marek said the cost of replacing the mailbox and stand, with labor, is estimated at $1,500.

The second incident was reported the following day, Dec. 30, and came in at 10:53 p.m. in the 10200 block of CR 160 off FM 442 between Boling and the Fort Bend county line.

The victim said the mailbox destroyed was next to the roadway and about 150 feet from his residence. He saw a darkcolored vehicle flee the scene headed west on CR 160 before turning south on FM 1096.

While investigating the incident, Sheriff's Sgt. Lonnie Garcia and deputies Jerry Price and James Elliott heard additional explosions in the area with Elliott going to investigate.

Elliott made a traf- fic stop involving a black Chevrolet pickup occupied by four males, ages 18, 17, 16 and 16; and two females, ages 18 and 19.

He also found evidence in the pickup, including duct tape, packaging and electrical tape that could be used in the construction of a bomb along with a damaged construction barrel that had also apparently been shot with a firearm and shotgun. The people in the vehicle were questioned and then released at the scene.

Marek said the following day investigators found evidence of additional safety barrels similar to the one found in the truck that had been damaged by explosives. He said the case is still under investigation.

"Parents need to keep an open line of communication with their teenage children to prevent incidents like these from taking place," he said. "And they need to be aware of things like excessive fireworks. These are serious incidents and are breaking the law. Most laws have safety factors built in and that's why they were passed in the first place."