Local law enforcement officials confirmed Tuesday that two more homemade bombs have exploded in Pike County since someone detonated one Saturday night outside a McComb theater.
The first occurred between Saturday night and early Monday at the Pike County Baptist Association at 1108 Weaver Road off Highway 98, east of McComb.
On Tuesday deputies responded to another explosion at the Jaguar Trail home of Joyce Isaac east of Summit. That blast occurred late Monday night.
Chief Deputy Steve Rushing said that based on preliminary evidence, both bombings appear to be similar to the one that occurred in front of the Pike County Little Theatre around 10 p.m. Saturday.
The bombs used are described as chemical improvised explosive devices that typically feature a plastic bottle casing.
Rushing said the bomb that detonated at the Baptist association was apparently placed inside the mailbox.
Representatives from the association called 911 when they arrived for work Monday morning and noticed the organization’s mailbox had been damaged.
Deputies received calls from witnesses who reported hearing the explosion near the Jaguar Trail residence.
Rushing said the crime lab is analyzing bomb fragments and other forensic evidence recovered at the scene to look for any trace identifiers such as fingerprints.
He said the bombings could be the work of practical jokesters, but officials are reviewing statutes to see what criminal charges would result if a suspect is captured.
Witnesses to Saturday night’s incident outside the theater told police that someone threw the bomb from a car described as either a white Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis.
Authorities say the bombs can be very unstable. Instead of utilizing a trigger or fuse, the detonation typically occurs seconds after the plastic bottle is sealed.
McComb Police Department Detective Shannon Sullivan said Tuesday that Pike County Crimestoppers is offering a $1,500 reward for the information leading to the arrest and or prosecution of the person responsible for the detonation of the bombs.
Anyone with information may call Crimestoppers at 684-0033 and remain anonymous.
