Public’s Help Needed In Potomac Explosion Investigation

[Montgomery County Fire]

	Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service An Internationally Accredited Public Safety Agency NEWS RELEASE        Richard Bowers, Fire Chief               Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Public Information Officer Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, 20850 Phone: 240.777.2474 – Media Hotline – 240.777.2442
March 18, 2011

Potomac Explosion – Evidence Update

Updated Information

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. Below 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 investigation into the incident

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.

Necklace found at explosion scene

9200 block of Inglewood Drive in Potomac

[Howard Hartman]

	Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service An Internationally Accredited Public Safety Agency NEWS RELEASE     Richard Bowers, Fire Chief     Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Public Information Officer     Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, 20850     Phone: 240.777.2474 – Media Hotline – 240.777.2442
April 7, 2011

Update        Update        Update      Update

Pipe Bomb Arrest

Fire and Explosive Investigators from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, in concert with Virginia State Police, arrested 68 year old Farzin Sadeghi (Sa-Dee-Gee), of Marshall, Virginia and Gaithersburg, Maryland this morning at 1030 hours in Marshall, Virginia. The pipe bombing took place at on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 9:15 p.m. at 9214 Inglewood Drive in Potomac, Md.

Simultaneous search warrants were executed at 10109 Valley Dale Lane in Marshall and 18715 Walkers Choice Road Gaithersburg, MD. The Virginia State Police executed the Fire and Explosive Investigations Section’s arrest warrant.

FEI, along with partners from MCPD, VSP, FBI, and ATF, identified Mr. Sadeghi early on as a suspect, developed the arrest plan, which led to today’s arrest.

Through various investigative techniques sensitive to the case and cooperative work with our law enforcement partners, the residents of Montgomery County can rest assured that the person involved in this heinous crime has been taken off the street. No other information is available at this time due to the continuing nature of the investigation.

Farzin Sadeghi