ANDERSON — The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is investigating four incidents of explosive devices placed over two days in mailboxes in two subdivisions.

Madison County Sheriff Scott C. Mellinger said the potential for injury because of these bombs is significant.

“These incidents seem to cycle around once per year or every other year and they should not be taken lightly. Typically it is meant to be simple vandalism but these are also extremely dangerous if a person would happen to be too close to the device when it explodes,” he said.

Sheriff’s deputies on day shift patrol were called Sunday to subdivisions near Ind. 9 and county roads 500 North and 600 North to investigate devices commonly known as Works bombs. Deputies were called Monday to the same neighborhood on a similar complaint.

Damage was caused to the four mailboxes.

Investigators reported they believe the bombs were placed between 10 p.m. and midnight on the evenings before they were found.

Witnesses told investigators they saw a white early 2000s Chevrolet Cavalier in the area around those times. A witness described the vehicle as “clean” with no visible damage.

Works bombs are homemade explosive devices made with common toilet bowl cleaner by the same name and placed in a plastic bottle, allowing pressure to build before exploding.

The Works toilet bowl cleaner contains hydrochloric acid, which burns on contact with skin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Department at 646-9290 or leave information anonymously at Crime Stoppers, 765-649-8310.

Source: The Herald Bulletin