Authorities arrested a man from Utah after he reportedly drew a gun near the Provo Towne Centre Mall. When police searched his apartment, they allegedly found 71 homemade explosives on the premises.
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Media Release by the Provo Police Department details the order of events. Officers responded to reports of a male suspect, Eric Whitaker, in a vehicle brandishing a weapon on Friday morning at around 10:30 AM. Officers quickly located the suspect near the West side of the mall and caught him red-handed with a handgun and multiple loaded magazines.The Media Release explains that officers searched the suspect's car and found several items inside that looked like improvised explosive devices. This discovery prompted a response from the Bomb Squad. Ultimately, authorities seized four devices from the vehicle and took Whitaker to the Utah County Jail.
Investigators Searched For Explosives At Whitaker's Home
Provo Police report that investigators conducted a search warrant of Whitaker's Orem Apartment. Authorities had to evacuate residents from the building while the Bomb Squad technicians conducted their search. Per a report by KSL, it took the Bomb Squad four hours to clear the apartment.
Investigators reportedly found '71 homemade improvised explosive anti-personnel fragmentation devices' at the home, bringing the total to 75.
The police booking affidavit reportedly states, "The devices contained shrapnel and explosive powders inside that would cause death or serious bodily injury to multiple victims if they were in the vicinity of the device when it exploded."
After the discovery, authorities charged Whitaker with 75 counts of Possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Police are also charging the suspect with Possession of Bomb Making Materials.
The press release concludes, "We are grateful for the expert training, skills, and equipment that our Metro Bomb Squad officers provide during their response to EOD incidents, protecting both our investigators as well as our residents. We are proud of our Patrol Officers for their fast response and thorough investigation, and we thank our colleagues from Orem patrol for assisting with evacuation safety."
Authorities say there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public in light of the discovery. Per KSL, police reportedly want to obtain a warrant to search Whitaker's electronic devices in hopes of determining a motive.
