Police Find Chemicals To Make Destructive Device After Evacuations In Cornelius

Justin Pryor,

CORNELIUS, NC — Police say a man is being questioned after saying he had chemicals to make a destructive device which prompted an evacuation of several buildings.

Police say Cornelius Town Hall, the Cornelius Police Department, Rite Aid, and Cashion’s Gas Station at S. Main Street were evacuated Friday afternoon. According to officials, the man entered Cornelius PD and claimed to have materials for making a destructive device.

The bomb squad closed off the area for several hours and searched his vehicle. Inside, officials say they did find two chemicals that could be used to make an explosive device if mixed but they were not mixed.

Police have not yet said whether the man will be charged.

One witness took a photo of a person being put into handcuffs, but police have not commented on whether it is related to the situation.

Photo | Christopher Booth

The area has been reopened and businesses are no longer evacuated.

Check back for updates.