No arrests yet in Atchison explosion
07/13/2018

The Hair Spital Barber Shop, 120 North 8th Street, in Atchison, following an early morning explosion on July 8, 2018, that authorities say was intentional. (Credit: MSC News/Brian Hagen)

(KAIR)--It was one week ago, in the early morning hours of July 6, that an explosion in downtown Atchison caused damage, but no injuries.

Occurring around 2:30 in the morning, investigators say the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device that was placed outside of the Hair Spital Barber Shop, located at at 120 North 8th Street.   

Atchison Police and Fire were joined by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and others, in overseeing the investigation immediately after the explosion happened.

With no arrest yet made, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the probe is continuing, with the outside agencies continuing to partner with his department in the goal of finding who is responsible. “We continue to work that case every day...ATF has returned to Atchison this week, several agents have continued to work with our detectives. The Fire Marshal has been up every day this week. We have followed leads [that have not only led us] to a number of things in Atchison but has also led us to several cities outside of Atchison. The investigation has broadened...we think that we continue to not only make progress, but to get closer to where an arrest is going to be made.”

A suspect van was caught on surveillance video; and Wilson says since the time the images were released, hours following the explosion, tips have poured in, and those leads continue to be followed. “We've literally ran down dozens of tips on possible vehicles. We're not certain that we've located the specific vehicle we're interested in, but it's still encouraging that people are calling in, and we will find the right vehicle.”

Image and video hosting by TinyPic The van sought by investigators.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever put the explosive device in front of the business.

While the barber shop reportedly incurred the most damage, nearby businesses also felt affects, including shattered windows.


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