Local, Federal Authorities Investigate Explosions in Fredericksburg, Stafford County

Similar incidents also under investigation

Authorities are investigating explosions at two homes in Stafford County and one in Fredericksburg, Va., Tuesday morning.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that the explosions took place at the suspect's ex-girlfriend's house, a Stafford County Sheriff's deputy's house and the house of another law enforcement official, News4's Shomari Stone reported.

A woman and her dog were evacuated unharmed from the home in the 3100 block of Normandy Avenue in Fredericksburg after an explosion about 4 a.m., police said. There was "significant" damage inside the home and much smoke.

A bomb detection dog from the Virginia State Police responded to the crime scene; no additional devices were located.

Two more explosions in the Stafford County took place within two hours of the Fredericksburg explosion. No injuries were reported in either of those explosions.

Authorities raided a home where they believed they would find their suspect -- 25-year-old Laurence Alan Stewart II -- but did not apprehend anyone, Stone reported. Stewart is considered armed and dangerous.

Stewart is wanted on charges of attempted capital murder on a law enforcement officer, arson, using a device for an act of terror and throwing a missile into an occupied dwelling. He was already wanted on charges including indecent exposure and violation of a protection order, the Associated Press reported. The law enforcement officials targeted were involved in the previous charges, authorities said.

Detectives, the fire marshal, the ATF and the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incidents.

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