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Man accused of stealing from fire department found with pipe bomb in pocket

David Cole Boardman

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies had to call the bomb squad while arresting a man they said stole multiple types of lawn care equipment and tools in Rowan County, including some from a local fire department.

Detectives said they began investigating earlier this month after the Apple Baking Company and Franklin Fire Department off Statesville Boulevard were broken into and the items were stolen.

[ALSO READ: Lancaster Co. deputies investigating after break-in at Bell Town Fire Department]

After executing a search warrant at a home on Burmac Circle in Salisbury, deputies said they found about $15,000 worth of stolen items.

During the search of the home, authorities took 24-year-old David Boardman into custody. While searching Boardman, deputies said they found a homemade pipe bomb -- threaded on both sides with a fuse -- in his pocket.

[ALSO READ: Man with Charlotte ties accused of mailing at least 14 bombs to face judge]

The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called to the scene and deactivated the pipe bomb, officials said. Nobody was hurt.

[READ MORE: What is a pipe bomb and what damage can it do?]

Boardman was charged with felony possession of stolen property and possessing a weapon of mass destruction. He was issued a $20,000 secure bond.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information is asked to call Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 866-639-5245.

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