LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Tippecanoe County Sheriffs Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the attempted bombing of the Tippecanoe County Courthouse.

On Aug. 2, 1998, at approximately 10 p.m., a Tippecanoe deputy sheriff responded to the courthouse to investigate a report of a fire. The deputy found a pickup truck had been driven into the Fourth Street entrance. An improvised explosive device was contained in the bed of the truck. The explosive device did not detonate, but the ensuing fire caused significant damage to the courthouse.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in solving this case. Evidence and leads have been explored, but more information is needed. Now is the time for those persons with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) to come forward as the statute of limitations will expire soon. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-78CRIME (1-800-782-7463). Callers may remain anonymous.

The Tippecanoe County Sheriffs Office, ATF, FBI, Indiana State Police, and Lafayette Police Department are jointly investigating the case.