Police Charge Three Men in Manchester Mailbox Explosion

(Editor's note: one name was removed from this article as they provided Patch documentation proving their charges were dropped.)

Three Carroll County men have been charged by Deputy State Fire Marshals in connection with exploding a mailbox in Manchester.

James Purpora, 23, of Water Tank Rd. in Manchester turned himself into

authorities after a warrant for his arrest was issued, police said. A sixteen year old male juvenile, of Manchester, has been charged as well.

On Jan. 14, police say the three suspects placed a

destructive device inside a roadside mailbox located at 3845 Miller Station Rd. The device was

determined to be an M-80 firework, which are illegal under state law, police said.

Purpora was charged with Possession of a Destructive Device, Discharge/Possession of Fireworks

without a Permit and Malicious Destruction of Property. Purpora is currently being held at Carroll

County Detention Center on $25,000 bond, according to officials. If convicted, Purpora could face 25 years in prison and/or $750 in fines.

The sixteen year old who was released to the custody of

his parents pending further action by the Department of Juvenile Services.

Police said the property owner was not targeted but was a random act and no one was injured.