‘Flash-bang’ thrown near early voting site in Moore County, police say

ABERDEEN, N.C. (WTVD) — Authorities are taking extra precautions after someone threw a flashbang at a early voting site Wednesday afternoon in Moore County.

At 2:30 p.m., the Aberdeen Police Department responded to reports of a loud noise and small explosion near the early voting poll at Aberdeen Lake Park. Witnesses reported the incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. and initially believed a transformer had blown.

Investigators later found a civilian-style flash bang several feet from the roadway at US-1 and Lake Shore Drive, about 150 yards from the voting site.

Police say 30 witnesses were interviewed with many saying the device appeared to have been thrown from a moving vehicle headed southbound on US-1. There was no suspect or vehicle description provided.

No injuries or property damage were reported. In response, the Aberdeen Police Department has increased patrols and maintained a presence out of an abundance of caution.

Authorities believe this is an isolated incident with no additional threats reported.

The investigation is ongoing, and evidence will be sent to the State Crime Lab for testing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Blackburn at 910-944-4566, send tips via Facebook messenger, or leave anonymous tips at 910-944-4561. A $500 reward is being offered for verifiable information leading to an arrest.