Homemade bomb destroys mailbox

EPHRATA - A pipe bomb was used to destroy a mailbox at a home on Road K.7 Northeast.

A woman called 9-1-1 on Sunday to report the mailbox was destroyed sometime during the night before, according to Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones. 

Investigators collected evidence of a pipe bomb being used.

The Richland Police Department Bomb Squad assisted the sheriff's office and checked other mailboxes in the area. No other explosive devices were found, said Jones.

"It is unclear if the owners of the mailbox or anyone else was targeted, or if this incident was a random act," said Jones. "I'm grateful nobody was hurt by the detonation of this device. Since we don't know if this was a random event or if someone was indeed targeted, citizens should be cautious when opening their mailboxes."

There have been no similar incidents reported, he added.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 509-754-2011 ext. 468 or email an anonymous tip to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. 

?- Staff report