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Twin brothers arrested after two week explosion spree

Published  May 17, 2016 12:31pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

WEST CHESTER, PA - Chester County police have arrested twin brothers in connection with a two-week crime spree involving improvised explosions in the counties of Chester and Lancaster.

In December 2015, brothers Daniel and Caleb Tate allegedly set off improvised explosive devices on five separate occasions damaging multiple buildings.

According to police, the 22-year-old college students constructed bombs out of materials including fuel containers and metal pipes. After blowing up a mailbox in Highland Township, the Tate brothers escalated to buildings.

The defendants started with blowing up a mailbox in Chester County, and escalated to setting off pipe bombs in various Amish sheds in Lancaster County.

Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF") investigated the bombings and discovered surveillance video of the defendants shoplifting for the explosive materials from local stores. Investigators were also able to use finger print identification recovered at one of the explosion scenes.

The defendants have been charged with arson by explosion, arson by possession of explosive devices, conspiracy, theft, and other related charges.

Police urge anybody with information to contact Trooper Jerry Harper of the Troop J Fire Marshal Unit at (717) 299-7650.