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American Morning

Pipe Bomber Suspect Surrenders in Nevada

Aired May 08, 2002 - 07:10   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to move on now to our other big story of the morning, and that is the capture of the suspect in the mailbox pipe bombings. CNN's Kelli Arena has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The 21-year-old college student, who prompted a nationwide manhunt, was apprehended in Northern Nevada after his car was stopped by the State Highway Patrol. Luke Helder did not readily surrender, according to officials, and negotiators had to do some convincing.

Federal prosecutors in Iowa have already filed some charges against Helder, and others are expected.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Lucas John Helder, age 21, from Menomonie, Wisconsin, has been charged in a criminal complaint with one count of using an explosive to maliciously destroy property affecting interstate commerce, and one count of using a destructive device to commit a crime of violence.

ARENA: He was arrested after the FBI publicly asked him to come forward, and his father issued this appeal.

CAMERON HELDER, FATHER OF SUSPECT: Please don't hurt anyone else. It's time to talk. You have the attention you wanted. Luke, we love you very much. We want you home safe. Please call.

ARENA: Sources say investigators started looking for Helder after someone tipped them off.

All told, six people were injured after bombs were left in mailboxes in five states. All of the bombs were found with anti- government letters. As for Helder, he attends the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He is an art student with a concentration in industrial design.

He is also a member of a grunge band called Apathy, which heralds the rock group, Nirvana, as its inspiration. On the band's Web site, Helder has posted a biography. In it, he wrote: "The top things I care about are my girlfriend and my music. I party, play guitar and talk online to everyone. That's my life."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I really want you to know that Luke is not a dangerous person. I think he is just trying to make a statement about the way our government is run.

ARENA: Helder was taken to jail in Reno. He faces two charges so far, one being using a destructive device to commit a crime of violence, and it carries a life sentence if convicted. He could face more charges in other states.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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