MEAD, Wash. — A family in Mead heard an explosion Tuesday afternoon, then found a homemade bomb on their front porch. The woman accused of placing it is now facing felony charges.
Paige Cunningham, 33, appeared in court Friday charged with first-degree arson, possession and malicious placement of an explosive device.
"The nature of these alleged offenses are very concerning in nature and could have caused a lot of harm, and very scary to the community, not just the family this device was placed on, but any neighboring residences as well," court Commissioner Nicole Swennumson said.
According to court documents, the bomb was comprised of a small propane tank, wrapped in CO2 cartridges and fireworks, held together with fishing line.
The device was placed on the front porch of a home on E. Moody Road. A child in the house told detectives he saw a woman leave a package covered in red wrapping paper outside the front door, before running away, according to court documents.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) found the device intact, but partially burnt. Deputies also recovered remnants of a fire cracker.
Court documents reveal Cunningham didn't like her boyfriend's sister and believed she was controlling Cunningham's thoughts using virtual reality goggles. Cunningham is known to use meth and has mental health issues, according to court documents.
Authorities said a neighbor's Ring camera helped identify Cunningham. Prosecutors asked Commissioner Swennumson to impose a $100,000 bond. Cunningham's public defender argued for a lower amount, telling the court that Cunningham is unemployed and receives food stamps.
Swennumson set bond at $25,000. As of Friday night, Cunningham remains in jail.
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