Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

An Internationally Accredited Public Safety Agency

NEWS ADVISORY
Richard Bowers, Fire Chief
Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor,
Rockville, Maryland

Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Public Information Officer

Phone: 301-503-6113 – Media line – 240.777.2442

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2011 1630 hours

Potomac Explosion – Evidence Update

On Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 9:15 p.m. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue crews were
dispatched to the area of Harrington Drive/River Road/Newbridge Drive in Potomac in response
to numerous 911 calls reporting the sound of an explosion in the area. Upon arrival, first
responders encountered an unusual odor in the area. Hazmat crews, Fire and Explosive
Investigators and additional firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Hazmat crews discovered a window blown out in a residence in the 9200 block of Inglewood
Drive. Fire and Explosive Investigators located an explosive device that had detonated in front
of the residence resulting in damage to windows and the interior of the house. No one was home
at the time of the blast and initial damage is estimated at $25,000.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Attached is a photo taken on the scene by
investigators. This unique necklace may be related to the crime. The Montgomery County Fire
and Explosive Investigators, Montgomery County Police and the FBI are coordinating the
invesitgation into the incident.

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Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is urged to call the Montgomery
County Fire and Explosives Tip Line at 240-777-2263. Callers can remain anonymous and
the tip line is available 24-hours a day.

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