Stupid people of the week

’57 Plymouth with a C-46 Commando

Oops! Woman Lights Cigarette While Driving, Blows Up Her Minivan Carrying A Leaking Propane Tank

A woman was injured last week when authorities believe she attempted to light a cigarette while driving a Chrysler Pacifica that was hauling a propane cylinder that, unbeknownst to her, was leaking, causing a massive explosion. The force of the blast was so significant that it literally blew the metal roof clean off of the Pacifica, as well as all the windows and doors, launching some components more than 100 feet away from the van, into the yards of nearby homes. Miraculously, the driver was okay.

The explosion occurred in Burke, Virginia at 7:30 a.m. on April 9, and residents near the area said it shook their homes so violently it made pictures fall off the wall. How could this have happened? According to NBC4 Washington, “investigators believe with temperatures in the 30s that morning, she probably had the windows rolled up, so a leak would have filled the car up with gas.” We’ve covered similar incidents in the past where the drivers have been able to walk away, but for god’s sake, open your windows when you’re hauling propane canisters in enclosed vehicles — or, maybe, don’t smoke at all when carrying something like that in your car.

Alan Caramella, a homeowner near the incident, told NBC4 that he saw the driver sitting on a curb in front of his home after the explosion. “A woman was comforting her. She was just shaking uncontrollably. She had burns on her arms. You know, it was like red — deep sunburn.” Police said none of her injuries were life threatening.

The circumstances surrounding this explosion aren’t entirely clear beyond what’s already been discussed, so there’s not currently a clear cause for the propane leak, and though local police said the explosion appears accidental, they have assigned a major crimes detective to the case.

Propane is a very widely used fuel source for things like grills and fireplaces, but it is extremely flammable. AmeriGas, a popular propane provider, recommends that users never keep a filled propane cylinder in a hot vehicle, and to place it in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle. It also recommends transporting the cylinders in a secured upright position, and it recommends sealing the cylinder with a plug, if required, even if the cylinder is empty.

Source; Yahoo!

Army officer pleads guilty to smuggling firearms parts from Russia, other countries

An Army lieutenant colonel who last served as deputy commander of an ordnance disposal group pleaded guilty Monday to smuggling firearms parts into the United States from Russia and selling them without a federal license to do so.

Frank Ross Talbert, 41, was assigned to the 52nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group at Fort Campbell, Ky., when he was arrested and federally charged in May 2024. He is still in the Army, according to officials at Fort Campbell.

He pleaded guilty before Judge Eli J. Richardson in the Middle District of Tennessee to 21 counts of weapon-related charges. They include violating the Arms Export Control Act, smuggling goods into the U.S., trafficking firearms, owning an unregistered machine gun, transporting illegal weapons and dealing firearms without a license, according to court documents.

Talbert also agreed to forfeit weapons and parts, including Russian- and Bulgarian-made AK-47-type firearms, according to the 17-page plea agreement.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10. He could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

An attorney for Talbert declined to comment on Monday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection records show that Talbert received more than 350 foreign shipments of suspected firearms and parts dating back to July 2019, according to court documents. At that time, he was stationed at Fort Hamilton, N.Y., in Brooklyn, and was assigned to the United Nations as an improvised explosive device threat mitigation advisor. He also lived on the base with his family.

He was reassigned to Fort Campbell in July 2022 and moved to Clarksville, Tenn., where shipments continued, according to court documents. Talbert used variations of his name and his wife’s name with their address for the shipments.

Sixteen shipments – all containing firearms parts or munition-related items – were intercepted and seized by Customs and Border Protection, which involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Investigators also collected evidence of Talbert’s “significant presence” in online forums where members can sell, purchase and discuss firearms.

Federal agents searched his home in October 2023 and found a gun safe in the garage with five firearms made from illegally imported single-cut machine gun receivers, multiple shipping boxes filled with illegally imported items and a workstation with supplies to ship sold products, according to court documents.

Talbert has been in the Army since 2006 and has served overseas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and France, according to his official service record. His previous awards include two Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and two Army Commendation Medals. He also earned the Combat Action Badge, two Combat and Special Skill Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badges, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

Source; Stars & Stripes

From Traffic Stop to “I Love You” Calls: Texas Trooper Suspended After Jail Visit

A Texas Highway Patrol trooper was given a five-day suspension after an internal investigation found he used his position to gain access to a jailed woman with whom he had developed a personal relationship. The discipline stems from an August 7, 2025, visit in which Trooper Jose F. Cruz entered the Aransas County Detention Center while on duty and in uniform, ultimately meeting privately with inmate Brandy Cochran in a restricted interview room. Investigators determined the visit was not tied to any active case and instead reflected conduct outside his official responsibilities.

What began as a routine review of jail phone calls quickly escalated into a multi-layered investigation involving prosecutors, jail staff, and state investigators. The case surfaced when Assistant County Attorney Jacquelyn Johnson noticed something unusual while reviewing recorded calls tied to Cochran’s pending case. Cochran was heard asking family members for the phone number of someone saved in her phone as “cop” or “officer,” while also referencing a visit that did not appear in public visitation records. That detail prompted concern inside the prosecutor’s office and led to a deeper review of jail systems, where officials identified Cruz as the officer involved.

From Traffic Stop to Ongoing Contact

Investigators traced the relationship back to April 15, 2025, when Cruz stopped Cochran for a traffic violation and issued her a citation. According to Cruz’s own statement, the encounter did not end with the stop—Cochran approached his patrol vehicle afterward and asked for his phone number. Cruz admitted he gave it to her because she was “cute,” and the two began communicating shortly afterward. Over the following weeks, that contact continued through phone calls and in-person meetings, some of which occurred while Cruz was on duty.

Cruz later acknowledged that he met Cochran at her grandmother’s residence on at least two occasions while working and even helped her move belongings during a lunch break. During that period, Cochran disclosed that she was on probation for a felony charge and had ongoing issues with drug use. Despite that knowledge, Cruz continued communicating with her, maintaining what he described as a “friendship.”

The Jail Visit: “How Are You Allowed to Come Here?”

On August 7, 2025, Cruz contacted the jail and arranged what he described as an interview with Cochran. When he arrived at the detention center, he entered through secured areas, locked his weapon, and was escorted into the jail’s interview room. Surveillance footage shows Cochran entering the room and immediately reacting with surprise, saying, “Oh my goodness, that’s crazy,” before asking, “How are you allowed to come here?” Cruz replied, “Well, I’m here for an interview.”

What followed was a nearly 26-minute interaction that investigators later described as inconsistent with a formal law enforcement interview. The two laughed, referenced past meetings, and discussed personal matters, including her family and legal situation. At one point, Cochran referenced prior meetings, saying her grandmother lived “where you always come meet me,” prompting her to suddenly cover her mouth and react, “Oh my god.” Cruz also told her, “You’re supposed to be my CI,” suggesting he wanted her to act as an informant, while she responded, “I will, I want to go home. I’ll do whatever.”

Recorded Calls: “I Love You” and Offers of Help

The investigation expanded significantly after officials reviewed recorded jail phone calls made after the visit. Just hours after leaving the jail, Cochran called Cruz, and the tone of the conversation raised immediate concerns. During that call, Cruz told her she looked “sexy as ever,” informed her he had spoken with her family, and said he would help her with legal matters. Before ending the call, both said, “I love you.”

Additional calls revealed Cruz discussing paying for her attorney, helping arrange a bond, and communicating with her family on her behalf. In one call, Cochran told her attorney that her “boyfriend” was paying for legal services, while Cruz later admitted he had taken out a $1,000 loan and given the money to her family to assist with expenses. In other conversations, Cruz’s police radio could be heard in the background, indicating he was on duty while speaking with her. Despite this, the calls continued over multiple days, often ending with expressions of affection.

Courtroom Appearance and Growing Concerns

The situation extended beyond the jail when Cruz appeared in uniform at Cochran’s court hearing later that month. Prosecutors noted that he did not have official business related to her case, and his presence raised additional questions. During the hearing, Cochran was asked under oath whether she was dating a police officer, to which she responded “yeah.”

After the hearing, Cochran told Cruz during a recorded call that their relationship and phone conversations had been brought up in court. Cruz responded by asking what had been said, but the topic quickly shifted. Investigators also confirmed that Cruz had communicated with Cochran’s mother and grandmother and had positioned himself as a source of support during her legal situation.

Cruz’s Explanation: “I Was Doing an Investigation”

During his interview with investigators, Cruz maintained that his intent was to develop information about a suspected drug dealer and potentially open a narcotics case. He said he wanted Cochran to trust him so she could provide useful intelligence, explaining that he was trying to build a case before involving other units. However, he admitted he had not notified supervisors, had not documented his actions, and did not have an active investigation at the time of the jail visit.

Cruz also acknowledged that he misled Cochran about his intentions, telling investigators he “sweet talked” her and expressed feelings to gain her trust. At one point, he admitted denying the jail visit during a recorded call because he knew the conversation was being monitored and “it would look bad.” Near the end of his interview, Cruz conceded the situation appeared improper, stating, “I guess I didn’t have the right experience to do one,” while also acknowledging the potential consequences of his actions.

Career History and Current Position

Cruz’s law enforcement career spans multiple agencies prior to joining the state. He began with the Winfield Police Department in July 2015, where he served for a short period before moving to the Lone Star Police Department in June 2017. He later worked for the Linden Police Department from June 2018 through April 2022, followed by a brief tenure with the Daingerfield Police Department from May to October 2022. In May 2023, Cruz joined the Texas Department of Public Safety and currently serves as a trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol division.

Source; The Hawk’s Eye C&N

Dad, 51, Arrested After Accidentally Dropping Pipe Bomb He Allegedly Intended to Use to Entertain Guests

A man has been arrested after he accidentally injured himself by dropping a pipe bomb outside his home in Lancaster County, Pa.

On Saturday, April 11, Travis Peachey, 51, of Narvon, Pa., allegedly told authorities that he was trying to prepare entertainment for guests when he assembled a pipe bomb outside his Salisbury Township residence, per Fox 17 and WGAL 8.

According to court documents obtained by Fox 17, Peachey used a PVC pipe filled with six ounces of black powder and a motorcycle switch to regulate the explosion.

However, after he learned that the guests were no longer attending, Peachey allegedly tried to disarm the bomb in the shed before accidentally dropping it, per the outlet.

His wife and two kids were inside the property when the blast took place. She told authorities that after hearing the explosion, Peachey ran inside saying that he needed to go to the hospital.

PEOPLE reached out to Pennsylvania State Police for comment, but didn’t immediately receive a response.

The father suffered facial and eye injuries, and a piece of shrapnel had to be removed from his head, Fox 17 reported.

Peachey was arrested on the same day, according to the outlet.

His charges include three counts of recklessly endangering another person, three counts of attempted aggravated assault, two counts of endangering the welfare of children, risking catastrophe and possession of an explosive.

Officials said they found a hole in the floor of the shed, seemingly related to the incident, after searching Peachey’s property.

After being arraigned, Peachey was taken into custody at Lancaster County Prison with his bail set to $500,000, according to ABC27. A preliminary hearing will take place on April 15.

Source; Yahoo!

Category: Crime, Police, Stupid Criminals