AL.com - Pair charged in explosive device at elementary school; planned to shoot cops, start race war

A convicted felon who claims he wanted to shoot cops is behind bars in connection with the explosives device planted outside of a Trussville elementary school.

Authorities today announced state charges against 35-year-old Zachary Edwards and 34-year-old Raphel Dilligard, both of eastern Birmingham. They are charged with possession of a hoax destructive device, rendering false alarm and making terrorist threats, said Trussville police Capt. Jeff Bridges.

The warrants were issued this morning after the week-long probe by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Trussville police, the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Edwards claimed to be a member of the Black Panthers and the Black Mafia, but authorities have not yet confirmed his reported associations with any organized group. "My guys believe this individual to be a very dangerous person,'' said Dave Hyche, ATF's assistant special agent in charge in Alabama.

Lawmen responded en masse to Magnolia Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 16, after they received a 911 from a woman who reported seeing a Hispanic male place the package on a pickup truck that belonged to a school cafeteria worker. The package was a box with wires and timer attached.

"When we first saw what we had, we knew this was something to take serious and we put on the full-court press. It disturbed us from the start,'' Hyche said. "I've never seen such a well-orchestrated and rapid response."

Hyche today said the children and staff weren't in any danger from the device, and even if it had been in working condition, it was on the far side of the school where there was no glass.

The first break in the case came when investigators were able to trace that 911 to a cell phone that had once been owned by Edwards, said Hyche and Bridges. The 911 call was actually placed by Edwards, who disguised his voice to try to sound like a woman.

Also, the timer – a stopwatch - used on the device was determined to have been sold at Walmart, and Hyche said investigators then analyzed all 18 recent buyers in the area. They quickly eliminated those that would have a legitimate reason for needing a timer – like a track coach - that ultimately led them to the store in Irondale where a woman - later determined to be Dilligard - was seen on video surveillance buying the timer.

Edwards and Dilligard were taken into custody Tuesday evening at their home in the 7700 block of Fifth Avenue South.

Once brought in for questioning, both gave confessions. Edwards admitted to planting the device, and said his plan was to get all police officers and first responders in one place so he could shoot them. "I guess he doesn't like cops,'' Bridges said.

Edwards also talked of using the incident as a diversion so he could commit crimes elsewhere - such as robbing a bank - while the police were tied up at the elementary school, but backed out of that plan.

"Probably because of the overwhelming response to the area,'' Hyche said. "He wanted everybody in one place so he could kill cops. He made it clear to our guys he wanted to commit acts of violence. This arrest probably did stop something bad from happening."

He discussed starting a race war, but authorities didn't elaborate on what he said.

The device – which was disabled in nearby woods – did contain gun powder. "It was painstakingly put together and it also had most of what you need to make a bomb,'' Hyche said. He said, however, that there was no way the device could have detonated, but he didn't elaborate.

Hyche said numerous tips came in to the ATF tip line, many of which named Edwards as the person who left the device. "It was someone that knew him, and was afraid he was going to do something,'' he said.

Edwards has a lengthy criminal record, including a 2000 conviction for second-degree assault. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with three to serve in that case.

Both suspects are awaiting transport from Trussville to the Jefferson County Jail. Hyche said the investigation is ongoing and they could also face federal charges.


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Ironic

What, that the left is not without it's baggage?

The left has a few crazies that for some reason didn't turn sharp right.

Why do you think this criminal behavior reflects on the left?

That's his agenda.

That's bad medicine Burner.

There are crazies in all of the parties and all of the races. It might feel good to do the "they all look alike to me" dance, it only makes matters worse.

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Maybe you need L and R on your shoes . Or did you go in a complete circle ? Don't lie .🐴

I'm not like you, druggy.

There you go with your depravity, you start sling insults that you can't substantiate. You're already a proven liar how can anything you say be taken seriously . |ou saw a .223 go through 6 inches of steel plate etier a bald face lie or a figment of your illogic mind . Now run away before your pants catch fire and stay off the telephone wire .

The responses to the OP were just as I expected. However, that being said, I will add a bit more wisdom:

There is no "they all look alike" dance here. While each side has its crazies, the Black Lives Matter movement, based on erroneous information--or a lie--whichever way you'd like to spin it--was and is clearly espoused and embraced by both the POTUS and his Democrat "wanna be but isn't" replacement, HRC. Clearly, a movement from the left. I reiterate again: All Lives Matter--left or right--no agenda.

Covfireman is a train wreck. So is his strange views on politics. He's about due for another bender soon.

So, what were you on when you saw da bullet go thru 6" of steel..?? 😕

I donno - I saw a guy put a straw through a potato once......


Just sayin'

Ya, stainless steel straws will do that.. 😟

But what Tony described is impossible. .. even in a tornado. .. 😟

2nd or 3rd floor of the old Colt Firearms headquarters- and only saw the aftermath.

must been outta one of those guns that that senator said can shoot down planes, sun, etc

If I recall, it was a Wendy's plastic straw and a raw potato.

Come to think of it, I went to a Ripliey's museum and saw some wheat straw put through a telephone pole cause of a tornado.

And, I'm not sure about this, cause I was drinkin', but I was a Repulican help a poor man - and his kids.....





Ok, I must have been drunk.....

It happens more than you know. Maybe the Dems should try it on occasion rather than just talking about it.