Monroe, Mich - An Ohio lawyer and his 2 sons, ages 11 and 13, were injured Tuesday in an incident involving a car bomb.
Erik G. Chappell, 42, of LaSalle Township, Michigan, was driving with his sons to football practice when his car exploded on East Elm Ave near Interstate 75 in Monroe, Michigan, which is about 14 miles north of Toledo.
The 3 survived but suffered serious injuries. They were listed in serious condition at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo
Chappell advised a 911 operator that, "“We have a bad accident... My car blew up with two kids.”
He further advised that the boys were bleeding and had severe injuries, one to his left leg and the other to his buttocks, “They are bleeding... They’re chewed up pretty good.”
Chappell further advised in the 911 call, “I’ve got two significant leg injuries... Deep tissue wounds. I need someone here now.”
Rumors of recent threats made against Chappell have begun making rounds, but nothing specific.
Chappell is an attorney with the firm of Lyden, Liebenthal & Chappell in Sylvania, Ohio, approximately 10 miles north-west of Toledo.
Chappell is currently representing a man in a divorce case and hot dog vendors suing the city of Monroe for banning their carts downtown.
Agents from the Detroit field offices of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called in to investigate.
ATF Agent Donald Dawkins did not advise what kind of explosive was used, stating only, "There was a lot of power behind it. The victims are very fortunate, very blessed, to be alive."
"When you have children involved, it really hits home," he said.
The ATF is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible.
ATF Detroit field office, Arson and Explosives division, (313) 202-3500
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