ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — "Small explosions" in Rowan County mailboxes on Wednesday were caused by fireworks, deputies said.
The Rowan County Sheriff's Office responded to a home on NC Highway 152 near Beaver Loop east of China Grove on Wednesday morning for a report of an explosion inside a mailbox.
Deputies found fireworks inside the mailbox. Fireworks were also found in a nearby mailbox. A trash can was found about a mile away on Brown Road, damaged by an explosion as well.
The Cabarrus County bomb squad responded to the scene and determined the device in the trash can was a firework mortar.
Deputies received reports that fireworks were thrown from a vehicle driving around the area. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Greer with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office at (704) 216-8687.
The sheriff's office says there is no immediate threat to the community but residents are asked to contact 911 if they find anything unusual or suspicious.
Rowan County deputies and the US Postal Service are investigating the incident.
A woman commented on the sheriff's office's Facebook post claiming to hear an explosion outside her home.
"By the time I got to the window I only saw smoke," the comment reads. "Definitely won't be moving my trash can or touching my mailbox."
West North Carolina 152 was closed between Sitrewalt Road and Brown Road during the investigation.