THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ROANOKE-- Two Pembroke teenagers who police say were inspired by the movie "The Dark Knight" are accused of leaving playing cards containing threatening messages at several stores.

Several cards were found at a Wal-Mart in Pearisburg and a Kmart in Christiansburg.

Justin Colby Dirico and Bryan Eugene Stafford, both 18, are charged in Pearisburg with conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism. The two suspects face disorderly conduct charges in Christiansburg.

Pearisburg Police Chief J.C. Martin says the teenagers told police they patterned the cards after the movie, in which the Joker marks the scene of his crimes with jester-faced playing cards.

Martin says the incidents appear to be a prank that got out of hand.

Dirico and Stafford are being held at the New River Regional Jail without bond.

Information from The Roanoke Times