Cary Spotlight | Issue #519

Weapon of Mass Destruction Charges in Wake County, What Qualifies As a WMD? March Madness, Minus the Madness

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

📰 Weapon of Mass Destruction Charges Filed After Pipe Bomb Found in Wake County

📰 Why Homemade Explosives May Qualify as Weapons of Mass Destruction

📰 March Madness, Minus the Madness

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You!

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: Which North Carolina school did Steph Curry lead to the Elite Eight in 2008?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Weapon of Mass Destruction Charges Filed After Pipe Bomb Found in Wake County

In a case that began with a report of gunfire and escalated into a serious public safety threat, Wake County deputies arrested 43-year-old Aaron Martin Deuel on Sunday evening at his residence on Banks Road. Initially charged with drug-related offenses after allegedly firing a gun in his yard, Deuel’s case took a more alarming turn when investigators executed a search warrant at his home.

During the search, deputies found bomb-making materials and what appeared to be a functional metal pipe bomb. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was called in, and their bomb squad safely neutralized the device, which officials later classified as a weapon of mass death and destruction.

Deuel has been charged with three felony counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction, along with additional counts of felony drug possession, maintaining a dwelling for drug use or distribution, and misdemeanor paraphernalia possession.

According to court records, Deuel has not been granted bond and is expected in court this week. Authorities have not disclosed whether others were involved or if additional devices were found, but the investigation remains active.

The sheriff’s office credited the swift collaboration between local deputies and the SBI for containing the threat and ensuring the safety of nearby residents. Read Full Report

Why Homemade Explosives May Qualify as Weapons of Mass Destruction

The term “weapon of mass destruction” often conjures images of nuclear warheads or chemical agents used in global conflicts. But under both federal and North Carolina law, the definition can be far more expansive—sometimes applying even to homemade explosive devices such as pipe bombs.

Defined broadly, a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) refers to any weapon capable of causing large-scale death, injury, or destruction, particularly among civilian populations. The classification includes nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological weapons, but also, under certain legal contexts, explosives with the potential to cause widespread harm.

North Carolina’s statutes also classify items like bombs and other high-impact devices under the term “weapon of mass death and destruction,” and the legal framework allows for WMD charges regardless of the device’s sophistication or origin.

These statutes are intended to deter the creation or use of dangerous weapons capable of harming the public on a large scale. As recent criminal cases have shown, such as the Wake County pipe bomb incident, individuals found in possession of these items may face serious felony charges, even if no explosion occurs.

Just curious…

Many people associate the term “weapon of mass destruction” (WMD) with nuclear or chemical warfare, but under federal and North Carolina law, the definition includes much more—such as certain explosive devices like pipe bombs.

Before today, were you aware that items like pipe bombs can be legally classified as weapons of mass destruction in North Carolina?"

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March Madness, Minus the Madness

Credit: NCAA Men’s Basketball

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has reached the Sweet 16 stage—and it’s a field unlike any seen before. In a historic first, all 16 remaining teams are from power conferences, signaling a broader change in the college basketball ecosystem.

Seven SEC teams made the cut, breaking the previous record for most Sweet 16 entrants from a single conference. The Big Ten and Big 12 followed with four teams each, while the ACC's sole representative is Duke, who currently holds the best odds to win the title.

Traditional tournament storylines involving underdog teams and mid-major upstarts are absent. Instead, the rise of NIL deals, realignment, and the transfer portal has created an environment where top mid-major talent is funneled into power conference programs. Teams like BYU and Houston, once darlings of smaller leagues, now represent major conferences with deep pockets and national exposure.

The result is a star-studded bracket loaded with history, tradition, and elite athleticism. Programs like Kentucky, Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Arizona all bring championship aspirations and passionate fanbases, while teams like Arkansas and Ole Miss have played their way in with late-season surges.

Yet for longtime fans, the lack of a true Cinderella could mark a turning point in tournament lore—raising questions about whether parity and unpredictability are fading in a sport long celebrated for them. Read Full Report

Which team do you think will win the 2025 Men’s NCAA Basketball National Championship?

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Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (24 Mar 2025)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

March 25th, 2025 (Tuesday)

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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

In 2008, Steph Curry captivated the nation by leading Davidson College, a small school from North Carolina, on a remarkable run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. As a sophomore, Curry averaged over 34 points per game during the tournament, knocking off powerhouses like Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin. Though Davidson ultimately fell to Kansas by just two points, Curry’s breakout performance put both him and the school on the national map—and launched his journey to NBA superstardom.