Rowan County highway shut down after suspicious device found in mailbox, deputies say

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A stretch of North Carolina 152 is closed in Rowan County after a “suspicious device” was found in a mailbox on Wednesday, deputies said. 

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office posted about the incident on Facebook, urging the public to use caution when checking their mail or moving trash cans from the road. Rowan County Emergency Services said people who live within a 2-3 mile radius of Highway 152 and Five Forks Road to be especially careful after “recent incidents involving small explosions” in mailboxes. 

“Residents should approach and open their mailboxes with care,” the agency posted on Facebook. 

West North Carolina 152 is closed between Sitrewalt Road and Brown Road, which is just a few miles west of China Grove heading toward Mooresville. It’s unclear when the highway will reopen for traffic. Drivers should avoid the area until further notice. 

Deputies haven’t said if they have a suspect in custody or a person of interest in the case. It’s unclear if there are multiple devices at this time.