Authorities seek suspect in Virginia home bombings

Thursday, November 1, 2012

STAFFORD, Va. - A man accused of indecent exposure over the summer is wanted on charges of detonating pipe bombs at the homes of two investigators in the case and his ex-girlfriend this week, authorities said Wednesday.

The Stafford County Sheriff's Office said at a news conference that they're searching for 25-year-old Laurence Alan Stewart II. He is wanted on charges including attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, manufacture or possession of a weapon of terror and arson.

Authorities believe Stewart is armed and may have explosives.

"This man is a serious danger and threat to society," Stafford County Sheriff Charles E. Jett said.

No one was injured early Tuesday from the explosions in Stafford County and Fredericksburg.

Earlier in the month, the sheriff's office sought the public's assistance in helping to locate Stewart, who was charged with indecent exposure, obscene sexual display and violation of a protective order. Authorities said he was reported to have exposed himself to two different individuals while sitting in his car at the Stafford Marketplace in North Stafford in July and August. Neither of those people were connected to the bombings, police said.

Authorities said the detective and deputy sheriff involved in that case were those targeted by the explosives, as was his ex-girlfriend. The protective order violation charge was related to the ex-girlfriend.