Wannabe Church Bomber Arrested

A man has been apprehended and charged after allegedly delivering two pipe bomb-type devices to a church in Hickory over the weekend. The incident, which prompted the evacuation of the area and the involvement of law enforcement agencies, highlights the swift response and collaboration between authorities to ensure public safety. The suspect, identified as Joshua Wayne Hawley, was taken into custody without incident following a coordinated operation across multiple counties.

On Sunday, May 7, around 3:00 p.m., an alarming incident occurred at the Market Place Church located on HWY 127 S in Hickory. According to the Hickory Police Department, Hawley allegedly delivered two pipe bomb-type devices to the church before fleeing the scene. Prompt action was taken by law enforcement, leading to the evacuation of the surrounding area as a precautionary measure. The FBI, Gaston County Police Bomb Squad, and Gastonia Police Bomb Squad were called in to handle the situation.

With the utmost priority placed on public safety, the bomb squads worked diligently to render the devices safe. Their expertise and training ensured the proper handling and disposal of the potentially dangerous items. Through their swift actions, they successfully neutralized the threat posed by the devices, providing reassurance to the community.

Following intensive investigation and search efforts, authorities located Hawley at a residence on Kaylas Ridge Road in Connelly Springs. On Monday, May 8, a joint operation involving the ATF, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies from Burke and Gaston counties executed a search and arrest warrant at the suspect’s home. Hawley was taken into custody without incident.

Hawley now faces charges of possession of weapons of mass destruction, with the possibility of additional charges pending further investigation. The authorities are diligently working to gather all the necessary evidence and information related to the incident to ensure a thorough investigation.

This unsettling incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and vigilance. It also highlights the dedication and swift response of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the security of the public. The coordination and collaboration among various departments demonstrate their commitment to protecting communities from potential threats.

The arrest of Joshua Wayne Hawley following the attempted delivery of pipe bomb-type devices to a church in Hickory provides a sense of relief to the community. The prompt response and effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies ensured the safe disposal of the devices and the arrest of the suspect without incident. As the investigation progresses, the authorities will continue their efforts to gather all relevant information. The incident underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and working together to maintain the safety and security of our communities.