Albemarle County arrested a suspect, Mark Dowdy on five charges including possession, manufacture, distribution, etc. of weapon of terrorism or hoax device in connection with homemade signs he made containing the suspicious powder that were directed at Klockner Pentaplast in Gordonsville.

We’d received a tip that this suspect was the same person who put up the Boycott SNL MySpace page.  According to a letter distributed to all SNL employees, this person was being investigated for “trespassing” on SNL Financial’s property and he posed a risk to SNL employees.  He also was being investigated for trespassing on Klockner’s property.  The Company upped security patrols and warned employees about this risk.

Full Press Release and Full Letter After the Break:

Full Press Release from Police:

Albemarle County Fire Marshals announce the arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in five incidents involving an unknown powdery substance. The suspect, Orange County resident Mark Dowdy, faces five charges of § 18.2-46.6. Possession, manufacture, distribution, etc. of weapon of terrorism or hoax device in connection with homemade signs he made containing the suspicious powder that were directed at Klockner Pentaplast.

Laboratory results later showed the powder to be an irritant. The incidents occurred at the intersection of Gordonsville Road and Klockner Road, in Albemarle County and were spread over three separate days. Fire Marshal Investigators and Louisa County Investigators obtained search warrants and arrest warrants for these incidents. In addition, other incidents occurred in Louisa and Orange Counties. Officials from Albemarle, Louisa, Orange and the Virginia State Police worked co-operatively and identified Dowdy, who was taken into custody by Orange County Sheriffs.

Full Letter from SNL Financial  “Security Update for Charlottesville office:”

We have information to believe that, over the past couple of weeks, a former employee has trespassed on SNL’s grounds a number of times (late at night or early in the morning); this former employee also created a MySpace page urging the boycott of SNL. We also have information to believe that the same person has also perpetrated similar acts with another former employer, Klockner Pentaplast in Gordonsville.

In response to these events, we have taken (or will be soon taking) the following steps: 1) notified the police to provide extra patrols at night, 2) extended the hours of our security guard on random weekday nights, 3) are adding a weekend patrol/inspection of the building and grounds, and 4) will be installing security cameras around the perimeter of the building.

We are grateful to the employees who have brought evidence of the perpetrator’s presence to our attention and for physically removing various pieces of evidence. We caution all employees to exercise vigilance, especially at night, and advise that you do not tamper with anything you see out on the plaza that appears to be suspect.

Employees working late (until midnight) can call night time security officer John Doe 434-555-1212 if they need an escort from the building. If you see suspicious persons, activities or objects, please be careful. After hours, call the police directly at 911 and alert Joe Smith on his mobile phone (555-1212). In all cases, alert the Front Office by calling ext 555 or 555 and please be as specific as possible.

[picture from Mel B]

Related posts:

1. First Suspect Arrested in Interstate 64 Shootings – MySpace Page and More
2. Hey Albemarle, This Is Gordonsville, GIVE US YOUR CA$H!
3. 2nd Suspect Arrested in Interstate 64 Shootings: Unnamed,16