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Nail traps showing up on Butler County roads between Darrtown and Hamilton

Nail traps showing up on Butler County roads between Darrtown and Hamilton
Posted at 6:17 AM, Jul 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-06 06:31:01-04

DARRTOWN, Ohio -- Residents along Hamilton Richmond Road (state Route 177) near Darrtown are concerned about nail devices placed in the road in an apparent attempt to pop vehicle tires.

In less than one week, four pieces of wood with long nails protruding have been found, including near the residence of Dawn and Scotty King.

Dawn King said a neighboring farmer first spotted one of the devices while on his tractor on Route 177, then her cousin also found one.

“I was aware of them, then sure enough on Sunday, my husband found one near our driveway,” King said. “I called the sheriff’s office.”

The devices, cut from dowel rod and fashioned with heavy nails, are constructed so that the majority of the nails stick up. The tops are painted gray to blend in with the road, according to King.

“They are made for a purpose, and it can’t be good,” she said, adding the construction has taken some thought, so she believes the culprit is an adult or teen. Some have holes that are drilled before nails are inserted.

King said she has no idea why the stretch of road, between Thompson Park and Darrtown, is being targeted.

“It is bizarre,” she said.

Butler County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ed Tanner said detectives were investigating after getting the report from King and when they learned similar devices had been found. Investigators are trying to determine who the creator is and the intent, he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 513-785-1260.

The Journal-News is a media partner of WCPO 9 On Your Side.