NEWS RELEASE

August 9, 2004

HIT AND RUN DRIVER DETAINED AFTER SUSPICIOUS DEVICES FOUND IN CAR

CARY, NC – A hit and run accident turned into a potentially more serious incident when officers discovered what appeared to be pipe bombs in the back of the driver’s car.

Cary police received a call at 12:34 p.m. today reporting a hit and run accident in the Waverly shopping center.  No one was hurt in the accident, but a witness was able to describe the hit and run vehicle which was then shared with surrounding jurisdictions.  At 12:42 p.m., an Apex police officer spotted the vehicle at Lake Pine Drive and US64 and made the stop.  Since the stop pertained to a Cary accident, a Cary police officer also responded.  At this time, the officer discovered the suspicious devices – six small pieces of pipe with what appeared to be fuses. 

At this point, further support was requested, and the adjacent businesses – a dentist office and day care – were evacuated.

In addition to Apex and Cary police officers, Apex fire fighters, FBI and ATF representatives, and the Raleigh Hazardous Device Unit cooperated in securing the area.  The Hazardous Device Unit contained the devices at 3:25 p.m. and evacuees were allowed to return shortly thereafter.

Cary police continue to investigate the incident.  Further information will be released when it becomes available.

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