Police: Man Used Explosive Devices In North Bethesda Custody Dispute

Marc Cassell, via MCPMontgomery County Police say a bizarre case of a man placing explosive devices in front of a North Bethesda home on Sunday morning was part of an ongoing custody dispute.

At about 2 a.m. Sunday, police responded for a domestic disturbance call at a home in the 11400 block of Marcliff Road near Tilden Lane.

According to police, the initial call came from the suspect’s father-in-law, who said the suspect — 36-year-old Marc Cassell — was trying to break into the house. The father-in-law also said he was woken up by several loud bangs at the front door.

Police said that when the father-in-law investigated, he saw a large amount of sparks and smoke coming into the house from around the front door and more sparks and flames outside the front door.

The father-in-law told police he then recognized Cassell trying to break through the front door. Cassell then fled the scene in a vehicle parked in front of the home, police said.

The father-in-law explained to police that his daughter and Cassell are estranged. Police and the Montgomery County Fire Marshall’s Office found a detonated explosive device at the front door and a second detonated explosive device near the garage.

Police said the explosions caused significant damage to the house.

Police said they found out Cassell is involved in an ongoing divorce and custody dispute with his estranged spouse, the victim’s daughter.

Police said they learned Cassell fled to Fairfax County, where Fairfax County Police found and arrested Cassell later Sunday. He is being held in Fairfax and is awaiting extradition, police said.

Montgomery County Police, Fairfax County Police and the Fire Marshall’s Office are still investigating the incident.

Photo via Montgomery County Police

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