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Panhandle Bomb Scare Suspect Seeks Mental Tests

Christopher Lopez
Christopher Lopez

(AP) — A 39-year-old Mitchell man intends to use an insanity defense to fight charges stemming from a bomb scare in Mitchell.

Papers asking for a psychiatric evaluation of Christopher Lopez were filed Wednesday by his attorney. Lopez is charged with placing a false bomb, possession of methamphetamine and driving under suspension and is facing trial in May.

Mitchell Police Chief Mike Cotant says an officer recognized the man who fled a vehicle that had been parked behind the police station on Dec. 31. The officer raised an alarm when he smelled fuel coming from the vehicle and saw four fuel cans lashed together, sitting on the car’s dashboard.

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