Doctor Injured In Bombing Says "Not Intimidated"

FAST FACTS:

• West Memphis doctor injured in bombing says board won't be intimidated
• Russellville area physician called person of interest faces new indictments
• Pierce supporters happy he's back performing duties

(West Memphis 08/07/2009) - Just 6 months after multiple surgeries and intense physical therapy, Dr. Trent Pierce made his first public appearances before the Arkansas State Medical Board he chairs. It's also the first time he acknowledges a possible link between his position on the board and the bombing that almost killed him. Pierce told those at the meeting, "This board has not and will not be intimidated by any type of threat."

Dr. Pierce's statement comes as no surprise to one of his former patients who knows the doctors determination and love for his profession and patients.

Charles Castleberry said, "That hurt when I saw that. I don't understand why anybody could do something like that."

Dr. Pierce's statements comes just as more indictments are issued against the man federal agents call a person of interest. In 2006 the Arkansas Medical Board restricted Dr. Randeep Mann's ability to prescribe medicine. He faces explosive charges after agents found grenades and 110 fully automatic machines guns on his property. Now, he faces additional charges for having two unregistered fire arms and he and his wife are indicted for fraud.

West Memphis police initially investigated the bombing. They no longer have the case but believe its only a matter of time before the ATF finds who's responsible for the bombing.


"We're optimistic they'll bring the person who did this act to justice," said West Memphis Asst. Police Chief, Mike Allen.

Mann and his wife will be in court to face the new charges next week.