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IRON STATION, N.C. – Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies are working to determine if a batch of homemade PVC pipe bombs set off in a family’s front yard could be connected to nearby hateful markings, including the letters “KKK,” “f*** the black people,” and a drawing of a hanged man. Β Lt. Tim Johnson says, “Could be racist, hate type crime, we’re not sure. But we’re gonna work every angle.”Β
The spray-painted symbols and words–as well as what appears to be a burn mark and broken pieces of PVC plastic–are just down the street from where the pipe bombs were set off in the front yard of the home on Dalmatian Street.
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An African-American family lives in the home: dad, mom and two small kids. Β It happened just before 12:30 Monday morning. The dad heard an explosion and called 911. Β Investigators have been working the case ever since. Β “We’re waiting to talk to a few people this afternoon, probably won’t be home til 6 or 6:30,” says Johnson.
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Only WCCB cameras were there as detectives did question the people who live in a nearby home– in the same cul-de-sac where those spray painted markings and broken piece of plastic were found.Β
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Neighbors who spoke with WCCB were shaken by what happened. Β “I just think it’s kinda crazy. I don’t understand someone who would do something like that, honestly,” says resident Danielle Chrisley. Β Resident Dave Hudson says, “I never woulda thought anything like this would have occurred this close to our house. Β That’s pure terrorism.”Β
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The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t want to say exactly how many bombs were found (the exact number is part of the investigation) but did confirm at least three. Β They also reiterated the bombs were dangerous; pieces of hard plastic were everywhere and it’s uncertain what else was inside them. Β The pipe bombs, some of which were taped to propane canisters, started two small fires in the front yard, but no one was hurt. Β Johnson says, “Until we find out who did it, we’re not gonna quit.”Β
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The family didn’t want to speak on-camera. Β The Gastonia Police Bomb Squad safely detonated the remaining devices found in the yard. Β Patrols have been stepped up around the neighborhood. Β So far, no arrests have been made.Β
