A Virginia man was arrested on New Year's Day after police discovered items resembling homemade explosives in his car, a dark-colored Honda. The incident unfolded in Warren County, located approximately 80 miles west of Washington, D.C. Authorities acted swiftly after receiving reports of a suspicious vehicle parked off a roadway near a 7-Eleven, leading to the apprehension of the suspect.
Deputies initially approached the vehicle, prompting the suspect to flee on foot. He was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement officers. Upon searching the Honda, police found several burglary tools and, after obtaining a search warrant, uncovered multiple objects that appeared to be homemade explosives. This alarming discovery necessitated the involvement of specialized units, prompting the Warren County Fire Marshal's Office, the Loudoun County Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division to assist in the investigation.
The man identified as 36-year-old Zachary Sweetman from Isle of Wight, Virginia, faces multiple legal challenges following his arrest. He has been charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle and additional offenses related to the possession of unregistered destructive devices. A preliminary investigation revealed that Sweetman did not own the car he was driving and lacked a valid driver's license. Authorities noted that he exhibited signs of potential mental health issues during the arrest.
This troubling incident follows a significant event in Virginia's recent history. Just weeks before Sweetman's arrest, federal agents seized over 150 apparent explosive devices from his farm during a separate operation. This seizure was described as one of the largest in the history of the FBI. The connection between these two events raises concerns about public safety and the potential for further discoveries.
In response to the situation, bomb squad technicians removed the suspicious devices from Sweetman's vehicle and conducted a controlled detonation to neutralize any immediate threats. The swift action taken by law enforcement and bomb technicians underscores the seriousness of the situation and their commitment to ensuring public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the details surrounding Sweetman's activities and potential motivations. The presence of explosives in a residential area poses significant risks, and law enforcement agencies are keen to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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