Officer Kristi Mitchell

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

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arrests regarding several mailbox bomb detonations

The Texarkana Police Departments have made arrests regarding several mailbox bomb detonations which occurred last month. A joint investigation was initiated by detectives from both Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas, after it was reported that a number of mailboxes were damaged as a result of an explosive device being detonated inside them in mid August. The investigation has been a collaborative effort and has now led to the identification and arrest of several individuals.

Sgt. Shawn Fitzgerald of the Texarkana, Texas Police Department stated that Texas side Police have made two arrests so far in the bombings which occurred in their side of State Line. Nathan Jeremy Drake, a 17 year old white male from Nash, Texas; and Phillip Richard Schelkopf, an 18 year old white male from Texarkana, Texas, have both been arrested in connection with the incidents and charged with Criminal Mischief Explosive Device, a felony in the State of Texas. Drake was arrested on September 17th and Schelkopf today.

Officer Kristi Mitchell, with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, advised two juvenile males have been arrested in connection of the mailbox bombing which occurred in Texarkana, Arkansas. Both juveniles were charged with Criminal Possession of Explosive Material or Destructive device, a felony in the State of Arkansas.

Both Texarkana Arkansas and Texas Police expect more arrests in the case.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.