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| The car of Dr. Trent Pierce, Chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board, is seen after it exploded outside his home in West Memphis, Ark., as he was leaving for work Wednesday morning, Feb. 4, 2009. Debris from the Lexus hybrid was found about 50 yards away. (AP Photo/The Evening Times, Mike Douglas) |
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Car bomb critically injures head of Ark. medical board
Associated Press
Tue February 3, 2009
Area: Memphis
WEST MEMPHIS, Arkansas - A car bomb explosion critically injured the head of the Arkansas State Medical Board on Wednesday, detonating in his driveway as he was leaving for work, authorities said.
Trent P. Pierce, who oversees the board that licenses and disciplines the state's doctors, was injured after "some type of explosive device" tore through his car, West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert said.
"We believe he was on the outside of the car when the explosion occurred," Paudert said.
Pierce, a family physician, was taken to Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn., where he was listed in critical condition, hospital spokeswoman Sandy Snell said.
FBI spokesman Jason Pack in Washington said a second person also was injured. He would not provide further details.
Board attorney William Trice, of Little Rock, said he knew of no heated disputes involving Pierce and said Pierce often didn't take part in board votes.
"This is just off the wall," Trice said. "It's just such bizarre circumstances."
Pierce's white Lexus hybrid sat wrecked in his driveway, its hood open and bumper partially torn away.
Police blocked off the street outside Pierce's home, and officers walked back and forth with dogs. Investigators from the Arkansas State Police bomb squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could also be seen.
ATF agents did not immediately return a call for comment.
Paudert said he planned to meet with ATF agents. He did not elaborate.
Pierce, who is in his 50s, was expected to attend board subcommittee meetings Wednesday in Little Rock.
He was appointed to the board in January 1997 and reappointed in 2005 by former Gov. Mike Huckabee. The board oversees the practice of medicine in Arkansas and can discipline doctors for wrongdoing, including revoking their medical licenses.
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