A 20-year-old Lawrence man was in court on Wednesday for allegedly building an explosive device that destroyed a half-dozen mailboxes at a Lawrence apartment complex.
Gregory Cox made his first appearance in Douglas County District Court via a video hook-up from the Douglas County Jail, where he had remained since his arrest Tuesday afternoon. Cox is charged with one count of arson and one count of criminal possession of explosives for destroying six mailboxes at Jefferson Commons apartment complex, 2511 W. 31st St.
He was arrested after Lawrence Police searched his Jefferson Commons apartment on Tuesday. While there, police found evidence linking him to the explosion, Det. John Lewis said Wednesday.
Lawrence police first learned about the damaged mailboxes on Saturday when apartment complex personnel reported the damage, said Ronnie Foye, community manager for Jefferson Commons. She said the explosion destroyed six parcel boxes used for boxes and packages that don't fit inside regular mailboxes.
The explosion occurred sometime overnight on Friday.
Douglas County District Magistrate Judge Peggy Kittel ordered Cox held on a $5,000 own-recognizance bond, which allowed him to sign his own release Wednesday afternoon. Kittel also ordered Cox to immediately move out of his apartment at Jefferson Commons and have no contact with the complex or his roommates.
Cox's attorney, Martin Miller, told Kittel that the explosion was a prank that others may have colluded with Cox to commit. He also said there hadn't been any intent to injure anyone.
Damage was estimated at $700. Foye said the mailboxes hadn't been replaced on Wednesday but wouldn't interfere with other residents receiving their parcels.
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