Edited by Chris Graham
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The Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office and the FBI are confirming details regarding an act of vandalism reported on Tuesday, March 23 at the Ivy home of the older brother of Congressman Tom Perriello.
The family of Bo Perriello discovered a gas smell when they returned home that day and discovered that the supply hose connecting a liquid petroleum tank to burners on a portable gas grill was severed, according to authorities.
The grill was located on a deck adjacent to a screened porch on the back of the house.
The incident took place following an Internet post by Tea Party members in Central Virginia that mistakenly gave out the home address of Bo Perriello as being that of the congressman. The post invited those upset with Tom Perriello’s vote on a health-care reform bill since signed into law by President Barack Obama to visit Perriello’s home to let him know personally how they feel.
Investigators believe that the incident at the Bo Perriello home was a deliberate act of vandalism and that the supply hose was intentionally cut. While there was no immediate threat to the residence and its occupants, investigators believe the leaking gas could have posed a danger had there been an ignition source nearby.
Investigators collected physical evidence from the scene and have interviewed the victim and nearby residents. Local officials are working cooperatively with Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who has been involved from the early stages of the investigation.
Anyone with information on this incident or other unusual behavior in the neighborhood is encouraged to call Crime Solvers at 434.977.4000.
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Chris Graham
