Pennsylvania: Pyrotechnic Devices Functioned, Additional Devices Discovered at Residence

Submitted by Mahtab7 on Tue, 03/21/2023 - 15:09
TRIPwire, 21 March 2023 On 18 March 2023, at approximately 0300 hours local time, Slate Belt Regional Police officers responded to East Laurel Avenue in Pen Argyl after residents reported hearing explosions. Surveillance camera footage captured a 57-year-old male suspect and a 32-year-old male suspect carrying a long black tube, commonly used in the propulsion of aerial and mortar shells. Surveillance camera footage also showed the two suspects on East Applegate Avenue following three explosions. Authorities executed a search warrant at the South Westbrook Avenue residence of the 57-year-old suspect and found a large amount of display pyrotechnics, including 12 mortar cakes with 25 rounds each; two large mortar cakes with 100 rounds each; 66 roman candles; a mix of packaged pyrotechnics; and various pipes and equipment. The 57-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit arson, endangering property/reckless endangerment of an inhabited building, and possession of explosive/incendiary materials, among other charges. Authorities also executed a search warrant at the East Applegate Avenue residence of the 32-year-old suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. The Bethlehem City Bomb Squad and ATF assisted in the removal of the pyrotechnics. The investigation is ongoing.

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