Mailbox explosions in Maryland prompt investigation by state fire marshal

Brennan Stewart, The Baltimore Sun on Jan 13, 2025

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BALTIMORE — Nine mailboxes exploded this weekend in Manchester and Westminster and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking the public for help with identifying suspects.

The explosions happened in rural areas where mailboxes are lined up on the road, far away from houses, and officials believe they happened overnight Saturday into early Sunday morning. Investigators discovered remnants of fireworks at the scene of the explosions, according to a news release from the state fire marshal.

On Sunday, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office notified the state fire marshal after receiving a complaint about an exploded mailbox in the 3000 block of Traceys Mill Road in Manchester. Eight other destroyed mailboxes were reported, including some in the 4000 block of Wentz Road in Manchester and the 2000 block of Cedar Ridge Road in Westminster, according to the release.

Master Deputy Oliver Alkire of the fire marshal’s office said there are no leads in the investigation at this time, but investigators are actively seeking surveillance footage. He said possible charges include malicious destruction of property and malicious burning, as well as felonies for use of a destructive device and possibly destruction of mail.

Arson is not a potential charge, as there was no damage to any residential structures, Alkire said. The mailboxes were not believed to be targeted for a specific reason other than the fact that most were plastic, which are “easier to destroy with fireworks than metal mailboxes,” according to Alkire.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal said if anyone has information about these incidents or needs to report another mailbox that was destroyed they should contact the Northeast Regional Arson Tipline at 410-386-3050.

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