In White Plains, New York, authorities discovered at least 25 completed pipe bombs inside an apartment, uncovering the truth behind the loud explosions residents had been hearing in the area for several weeks.
Police have arrested 65-year-old Raymond Elders, who was found with traces of explosive residue on his hands at the time of his arrest, holding a lighter, indicating recent contact with or use of explosive devices. Surveillance footage showed him igniting a device on a street and quickly fleeing the scene after the explosion.
The official motive of the suspect has not been disclosed yet, but initial investigations suggest the incident may be linked to a neighborhood dispute. Another individual initially detained has been reassigned as a witness rather than a suspect.
According to reports from multiple media outlets, on March 30th around 4:30 am, residents once again heard a loud explosion, initially mistaking it for a transformer blast. Police found a suspicious explosive device near the apartment entrance, leading to the immediate lockdown of the area and the issuance of a shelter-in-place order.
Upon further search, authorities found approximately 25 completed pipe bombs and a large quantity of explosive materials inside the apartment. White Plains public safety officials confirmed that all explosives have been cleared, and the community is currently safe with no casualties or property damage.
Some residents mentioned hearing similar loud noises in recent weeks, expressing concerns that the sounds resembled experimental activities, with fears that the entire street could be destroyed.
The Southern District of New York Federal Prosecutor’s Office has filed serious charges against the suspect, including using weapons of mass destruction and illegally manufacturing and possessing explosives. The judge ruled no bail for the suspect, and the case will proceed in federal court. The defense argued that the suspect was a drug user but failed to convince the court to release him.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are now conducting a joint investigation into the case.