2 men charged for throwing explosive device from truck in Catasauqua, 18 other explosives found | Lehigh Valley Regional News
CATASAUQUA, Pa. – We’re hearing from a woman who drove right by an explosive device as it went off Tuesday.
Two men are now been charged for allegedly throwing that explosive device from a truck right near a polling location in Catasauqua on Election Day. That polling place turned into a crime scene Tuesday at the Salem United Church of Christ.
Police were investigating an explosive device that went off right as Kelsey Allen was driving by.
“As I’m making the left turn, the explosive goes off. I have debris all over the front of my car. Thank God my window was up, or else that also would have gotten into my car, and probably on me as well,” said Allen.
Allen said that isn’t the first time she’s heard explosives going off in her neighborhood.
“We’ve been here for about nine years, and as long as I remember, ever since we’ve moved in, it would happen especially during the summer. Every couple nights, something would happen 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m.,” said Allen.
Allen’s neighbor, Cathy Reiter, said she’s heard several of them as well.
“Probably at least four or five, yes, and not, and like at random times of the year,” said Reiter.
Reiter said they always follow the same pattern.
“Just one loud bang and that’s it. My husband usually looks out the window to see if anything got hit,” said Reiter. “A big blast of smoke goes past the house.”
Now 56-year-old Matthew Pletz and 24-year-old Jack Pletz of Catasauqua have each been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly detonating the explosive Tuesday. When police searched their truck, they found 18 more explosive devices inside. Reiter and Allen said they’re just hoping this means an end to all the noise and disruptions.
“I hope that’s, you know, the case,” said Reiter. “That they do stop, and that it was, you know, something that they’re not going to do again.”
“Hopefully this will make a more peaceful summer for Catty,” said Allen.
Matthew Pletz has his preliminary hearing scheduled for May 26th. Jack Pletz has not had his court date set at this time.
State Police said they do not believe either of the suspects were targeting the polling place or the church directly with the explosive.
