Twins Accused Of Setting Off Bombs In PA Counties
CHESTER COUNTY , Pa. (CBS) -- Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced twin brothers were arrested for allegedly setting off improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in five separate locations throughout Chester and Lancaster Counties.
The IEDs destroyed several buildings, authorities say.
Daniel and Caleb Tate, 22, are accused of constructing bombs out of various materials including metal pipes, fuel containers, propane canisters, and more.
"We live in a world where the thought of bombs exploding around us is a very real fear. The defendants brought that fear to our region during a two-week crime spree where they detonated multiple IEDs," said DA Hogan.
Daniel and Caleb Tate are accused of blowing up a mailbox in Highland Township on December 20, 2015.
Then, on December 22, authorities say the defendants allegedly detonated an IED in a wooded area in Londonderry Township.
Daniel and Caleb are accused of then escalating into detonating bombs in buildings.
On December 30, authorities say they exploded a pipe bomb in an Amish phone shed in Colerain Township, Lancaster County. The phone shed was badly damaged.
One day later, authorities allege Daniel and Caleb detonated an IED in an Amish produce shed in Strasburg Township.
Later that day, they are accused of detonating another bomb in a well pump shed in West Fallowfield Township in Chester County.
Authorities say the building was destroyed.
No one was in the buildings during any of the explosions, officials say.
Pennsylvania State Police and ATF investigated the bombings, and investigators discovered video of the defendants allegedly shoplifting materials for the IEDs from local stores.
Additionally, authorities say they were able to match Daniel Tate's finger print from electrical tape recovered from one of the explosion scenes.
Daniel Tate and Caleb Tate are charged with arson by explosion, arson by possession of explosive devices, conspiracy, theft and related charges.
