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Rocket launcher found on the street by inmate during cleanup (Ohio)
Saturday, May 26, 2007

HAMILTON — You never know what you'll find on a spring cleaning sweep, but sheriff's deputies were surprised to find something "explosive" May 5 while participating in the Hamilton citywide cleanup. A used military rocket launcher, specifically a M72 light anti-tank weapon, covered by brush and leaning against a telephone pole, was spotted by a Butler County Jail inmate in the 500 block of South Third Street, Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said.

The sheriff said during his military training he shot similar weapons, known as LAW rockets, and was told to stomp on them after firing so they could not be reused by the enemy. A portion of the rocket launcher found in Hamilton was missing, making it inoperable and of no danger, Jones said. According to the U.S. Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, M72 launchers with a training tube installed for firing smaller projectiles than the usual rocket fall under the same regulations as firearms. A used, inoperable tube, however is not federally regulated, an ATF official said Friday. "Makes you wonder what they were using it for," Jones said.

Specialist Mike Grimes, commander of the sheriff's bomb unit, estimated the rocket launcher as circa 1970s, most likely used in the Vietnam war. He said it is possible children were using it to shoot fireworks or someone ditched it because the person who took it as souvenir could be charged with receiving stolen property since it technically belongs to the U.S. military.

http://www.journal-news.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/26/hjn052607rocket.html

Homeland Security Investigates Martins Ferry Doctor (Ohio)
May 26, 2007

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio -- The investigation into Martins Ferry Dr. Ashraf Badour has taken a major turn. Now, the doctor is under investigation by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security, along with Martins Ferry police and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Police said it all started with speed, turned to alleged assault on officers, and now Badour is accused of making threats, warranting the federal government’s assistance with the investigation.

Officials said Badour should be sitting behind bars at the Belmont County Jail, but instead he's on watch at Hillcrest Mental Heath Facility. Belmont County Sheriff Fred Thompson confirmed Badour was taken to Hillcrest Thursday after acting out at the jail. Neighbors in his Bethlehem neighborhood said they barely knew Badour and that he kept to himself. "It's just so quiet and peaceful up here. To hear about anything going on out of the ordinary, it's really strange," said Paul Johnson.

Now, federal agents, police, and doctors are working to find out as much as they can about Badour and what's behind his recent behavior. Police said that at this point in the investigation they can't elaborate on the types of threats Badour allegedly made or whom they were to. Friday in court, Judge Frank Fregiato denied him any chance of bond.

"I believe there are some extremely serious public safety issues involved in this case. I'm ordering an emergency community mental health evaluation. And until I see that, I'm not setting bond at this time," said Fregiato. After Badour's court appearance, he should have gone back to jail, but doctors have recommended he stay at Hillcrest through the weekend. NEWS9 was told there will be guards at his room around the clock as the investigation continues.

http://www.wtov9.com/news/13393984/detail.html

Norwegian Explosion Under Investigation
May 26, 2007

The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority has called for more inspections of the company that owns a facility where a large explosion occurred. The blast at Vest Tank caused no serious injuries, Aftenposten reported. Two tanks exploded Thursday morning. The facility is on the other side of a fjord from the Mongstad oil refinery, the largest refinery in Norway.

Vest Tank processes crude oil left in the holds of tankers and cleans contaminated drilling mud from offshore rigs. Bjorn Bjornstad of the pollution control authority told Bergens Tidende the company has a history of violations and poor controls for keeping track of waste. The Directorate for Civil Defense and Emergency Planning and police have begun an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_21282863.shtml