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Manhunt underway for suspected pipe bomber who targeted cops

Posted at 12:26 AM, Nov 01, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-01 07:49:53-04

FREDERICKBURG, Va. (WTVR) - A multi-state manhunt is underway for a man police say is armed and dangerous that tossed homemade bombs at three Stafford County homes earlier this week.

Investigators say Laurence Stewart detonated pipe bombs Tuesday at the homes of a Stafford deputy, a Stafford detective and his ex-girlfriend's house and they believe he has more explosive devices in his car.

Stafford deputies are guarding the home of Stewart's ex-girlfriend. That's the lastplace investigators say he dropped a pipe bomb early Tuesday morning.

Neighbor Jose Mencia can see the damage from his kitchen and says he felt the explosion. In fact, the force of the explosion even knocked some items off his walls.

Stafford deputies said Stewart is a Temple graduate and law school dropout. He was first arrested by authorities on Oct. 9 for indecent exposure -- and things have gone downhill since

Fifty ATF agents from five different states are hunting the suspected pipe bomber. Two of his three intended targets, according to ATF Special Agent Richard Marianos, were a Stafford deputy and a Stafford detective.

"These people give their lives to the community and to be terrorized by this individual doesn't sit well and we are committed to putting him down," Marianos said.

Stewart has no immediate family ties to the area and federal investigators want people across the country to be on the look out

"From hotel managers to rental car dealers to convenience store clerks-please pay close attention to this information," Marianos said.

Stewart was last known to drive a 2013 red Hyundai Accent with Virginia tag WXA-8249 or Pennsylvania tag HIM-1923.

Investigators say Stewart is armed, dangerous and a serious threat to society since he may be traveling with explosives.

Stewart is wanted for attempted capital murder of two police officers. He also will face a domestic terrorism charge when captured.

Additionally, Virginia State Police issued its first "Blue Alert" for Stewart around 10 p.m. Wednesday. The alert, similar to an Amber Alert, is issued if an officer is killed, injured or assaulted -- or a suspect poses an immediate danger to the public or law enforcement.

Authorities urge anyone who spots the Hyundai or the suspect to call 911 immediately.

Stay with WTVR.com and CBS 6 News for the latest on this developing story. 

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