Word of attacks on family sparks worry

ANDERSON, Ind. - The homemade bomb that forced police to evacuate a neighborhood Monday in Anderson appears to be the latest in a string of attacks against one family.

No one was hurt, and a bomb squad disarmed the device. But neighbors are still on edge.

Police won't say who they think is behind the attacks on the couple in their 40s. But investigators said the device found Monday in the Victory Gardens neighborhood could have been deadly, and they are willing to do all they can to protect the family.

Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department said the bomb was tucked in a suitcase found in the backyard of a home in the 4200 block of Ind. 9. The man who discovered the device called the non-emergency line, requesting assistance after he “opened” the suitcase.

“We found an explosive type of device,” the caller said. ”It looks like it has gas and batteries and everything.”

Investigators said the explosive has been sent to Indiana State Police for testing.

Monday’s incident follows three prior attacks on the same couple. Elwood Police Department Chief Sam Hanna said the couple moved from Elwood to the Anderson area to escape danger.

Though police will say little more about the who or why in the string of attacks, the 911 tape revealed several things police wouldn’t say.

“There have been some issues,” the caller said. “My father-in-law’s brother is staying with him, but he has had some death threats on him, and apparently they found him.”

In April, police said, the wife, who worked at Hardees, was on her way to work when a stranger tossed acid in her face. And before that, Hanna said someone set the couple’s car and garage on fire.

Hanna said investigators took steps to protect the family and suggested safe places for them to live. That protection, if family wants it, is still available.

When we asked what changed, Detective Scott Bertram said: “They just attempted to live a normal life, and whatever is happening began happening.”

While Elwood police said they have three solid leads ranging from Elwood to Monticello, the couple’s problems have affected others.

Neighbors are concerned. One, Barbara Haines, asked: “What if the criminal returns and succeeds?”

She continued: “If someone is trying to get even with that family, I keep thinking, what will their next act be, and could it happen closer to us?”