Plot To Ambush Alabama Officers Unravels

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Authorities say an Alabama couple planted a fake bomb at a school hoping to shoot officers at the scene.

Police in the Birmingham suburb of Trussville, Alabama, say 35-year-old Zachary Edwards and 34-year-old Raphel Dilligard of Birmingham face charges that include making terrorist threats.

A hoax bomb was found at Magnolia Elementary School on Nov. 16. Authorities say it contained gunpowder, modeling clay and a timer, but no detonator.

A police spokesman, Capt. Jeff Bridges, said in an interview Wednesday that the couple planted the device wanting to shoot officers as they arrived at the school or rob a bank while officers were busy.

Bridges says it’s unclear whether the two were linked to any group.

Court records aren’t yet available to show whether Edwards or Dilligard has a lawyer.