Small explosion destroys ‘Little Free Library’ book collection box in Arlington
Series of explosions destroy ‘Little Free Library’ collection box, 'Wishing Well' donation box in Arlington
Authorities are investigating a series of small explosions that destroyed at least two pieces of property in Arlington County, a "Little Free Library" book collection box and a donation box known as the "Wishing Well." FOX 5's Stephanie Ramirez has the details.
ARLINGTON, Va. - Authorities are investigating a series of small explosions that destroyed at least two pieces of property in Arlington County.
Officers responded to the 100 block of N. Columbus Street around 12:45 a.m. on November 9 for the report of a fire.
When they arrived, crews found a ‘Little Free Library’ book collection box had been destroyed by an outside fire. The little free libraries are boxes often seen by a curb where books are left inside for donation or for community members to exchange for free.
"I don’t understand it. But I mean, I know that there are people who take great pleasure in being mean to other people or animals … I know that there is bad people, evil in the world, it’s behind just poor choices," said Sharon Beth Bronheim, the owner of the little free library blown to pieces.
Bronheim tells FOX 5 that was the last item her father built before he left the home she grew up in.
Bronheim and her husband described hearing a sound like a transformer explosion and saw a fire out of their home windows where the library box stood. Bronheim says they and neighbors frantically rushed to put out the flames concerned dry leaves would catch and spread the fire either to an adjacent wooded area or to their home.
Afterward, there was a concern that maybe the Bronheims were being targeted. That now is not believed to be the case. A little over a five-minute walk away from the little library fire, Arlington County Fire investigators found a second possible crime scene by the Lubber Run amphitheater.
An ornate donation box known as the "Wishing Well" had also been destroyed.
Art Schwartz says what was destroyed were both positive things in this community. "It was upsetting. I’ve lived in the neighborhood over 40 years … the first time anything like this has ever happened in my memory," said Schwartz, whose wife works with the amphitheater.
One neighbor showed FOX 5 a video where you hear up to around four loud bangs. Another neighbor believes the incident lasted may a half-an-hour.
Multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are now involved in the investigation.
"The Fire Prevention Office is asking anyone that lives in the immediate area with home surveillance equipment to please review their video," an Arlington County Fire & EMS press release reads.
Anyone with info can either email investigators at: FirePrevention@arlingtonva.us or contact the Arlington County Police tip line at: (703) 228-4180