| Updated: 2/06/2009 9:54 am |
Published: 2/04/2009 10:11 am |
The ATF and West Memphis police need help finding whoever set off a car bomb that critically injured an Arkansas doctor. It happened at the home of Dr. Trent Pierce Wednesday. Thursday evening, authorities held a press conference asking anyone with information to call them.
There is still no a motive, but leads continue to come in. During a press conference at the West Memphis police department investigators tell us they are following more than 50 leads which have come in through hot lines and calls to the police department.
"We're not sure if physicians are being targeted, we're not sure if this is a random act or specific target,” said Police Chief Robert Peudert.
"The bomb can be constructed in many different ways. Many different configurations using different types of materials... it's only limited to the imagination of the maker. Let's be clear, the purpose is to kill people," Stuart Lowery with the ATF.
The explosion left Pierce in critical condition with burns, shrapnel injuries, and blind in his left eye. "He can hear and he is responsive, although he is not talking, so she (his wife) is very encouraged. The doctor gave her a very encouraging report and the family is very optimistic and upbeat about his recovery," Chief Peudert said.
During the press conference, investigators asked for more help from the public. "We need to stress there may be information out there that people may not recognize as significant to the investigation. We would encourage you to call in with anything you might have seen."
Authorities are especially interested in information regarding anything between the hours of 7:30 Tuesday night when Dr. Peirce got home and 8am Wednesday when the bomb went off. Evidence from the scene is being processed at the ATF lab in Atlanta. If you have any information you are asked to call 888-atf-bomb.
