North Carolina police find razor blades inside pumps at several gas stations: 'Evil thing to do'
The razors were initially found during a routine inspection by the Department of Agriculture
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police in North Carolina are warning the community that someone is placing razor blades on gas pump handles across the western part of the state.
The Forest City Police Department posted a community advisory on Tuesday stating that officers have "located multiple instances of razor blades being placed in gas pump handles."
"We are actively investigating these instances now in cooperation with the state Department of Agriculture and will follow up with more information when available," the post said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The department warned citizens to be "aware" of their surroundings while pumping gas and to "always check before grabbing the gas handle."
Police in North Carolina have found razor blades hidden in gas pumps at multiple stations. (Forest City Police Department)
The first few razors were found by the Department of Agriculture during a routine inspection at three businesses, according to WSOC-TV.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The first rusty razors were found at a BP gas station and a Shell gas station in Forest City, the outlet reported. Photos provided by police show the razors wedged into the area where unsuspecting customers would place their hand to pump gas.
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The BP gas station on South Broadway Street in Forest City, North Carolina. (Google Earth)
Razors were also found at other gas stations across Rutherford County.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"It’s a very evil thing to do, for lack of a better word," Forest City Detective Chris Hopper told WSOC-TV. "It’s just mean-spirited."
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A Shell gas station at the 74 Junction in Forest City, North Carolina. (Google Earth)
The suspect or suspects will likely be charged with property crimes unless someone is injured, which would raise the severity of the charges.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I don’t know what’s wrong with people. I’m scared," gas station customer Barbara Murray told the outlet. "People are crazy."
The Forest City Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.