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Cornelius News

Police ID bomb suspect

PHOTO BY LENORE CUYLER

Aug. 4. Cornelius Police have released the name of the 29-year-old Cornelius man who came into the lobby of police headquarters, asked to speak to officers and show them his car which “contained various ingredients that could cause an explosion.”

John Patrick Rees DOB 7/4/88

John Patrick Rees, of 20803 Sterling Bay Lane E Apt B, was still being interviewed by local and federal officials several hours after the incident ended around 3:30 pm. It caused traffic congestion and concern among downtown merchants near the police station and Town Hall, both of which were evacuated.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg arrest records show that he was arrested for being intoxicated and disruptive Aug. 11, 2016.

Police issued this statement at 6:45 pm:

“On Friday, August 4th at approximately 11:41 am,  John Patrick Rees (DOB 7/04/1988) came into the lobby of the Cornelius Police Department wanting to speak with officers.  Rees wanted to show officers the items he had in his car, which he claimed contained various ingredients that could cause an explosion.  After further conversation with him, it was determined, as a precaution, to contact the FBI.  Subsequently, the FBI and CMPD’s Bomb Squad responded to the scene.  The police department, the town hall, and multiple businesses in the area were evacuated for safety reasons.  CMPD’s bomb squad deployed the bomb robot and there were some suspicious items and powders located in the subject’s vehicle that if combined could have become potentially explosive.  CMPD took possession of those items and will destroy them at an undetermined time.  Rees is still being interviewed by local and federal officials to determine if charges are applicable. Detectives have also been to his residence, 20803 Sterling Bay Lane E Apt B in Cornelius, and cleared the apartment for any suspicious materials. Due to this being an ongoing investigation that is all the information we will be releasing at this time.  We would like to express our sincere thanks to CMPD and their bomb squad, the FBI, The ATF, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, MEDIC, Cornelius Fire Department,  the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshall’s Office, and Huntersville PD.”