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Pipe bomb diffused near Chili's
By Debby Schamber
The Orange Leader
Officers from the Orange Police Department arrested Adam Clayton Pitcher, 19, of Orangefield for possession of an explosive device around noon Friday.
According to information from the Orange Police Department, officers responded to a call about a man at Home Depot with an explosive device. As the detective was driving into the parking lot, he spotted Pitcher’s silver Honda. The detective followed Pitcher in his vehicle to the back of Chili’s parking lot across the street.
Pitcher was seen exiting his vehicle and placing a silver object underneath the mulch next to a tree. The detective approached Pitcher and was able to determine the object to be a bomb. The bomb was described as a cylinder with two caps on the end.
Pitcher was arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail. Bond was set at $200,000. At press time, he remained in custody of the Orange County Jail. If convicted of the third-degree felony, Pitcher could receive up to 10 years in prison.
Officials determined the bomb was not large enough to endanger people at nearby businesses or the hospital. No evacuations were required although there was a about 150-foot perimeter around the scene for safety.
Agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) were called in from Houston and arrived at the scene to diffuse the bomb. After placing sandbags around the bomb, it was diffused. The sound was similar to that of a firecracker, and without enough force to move the sandbags.
“We don’t believe the hospital, CVS or Chili’s was a target,” said Chief Sam Kittrell, of the Orange Police Department.
Friends of Pitcher describe him as a nice person who formerly worked at Home Depot. They also said “he is very smart, but didn’t think he would do anything like this.”
Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com
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