x
Breaking News
More () »

Warrant issued for man who homemade explosive devices

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Lower Swatara Township Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Arthur W. Clark, 69, of the 100 block of McKinney Lane, Middle...

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Lower Swatara Township Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Arthur W. Clark, 69, of the 100 block of McKinney Lane, Middletown. This warrant comes after an investigation that Clark had made an explosive device and had left his residence.

Police who investigated the complaint at a residence Clark shared with other family members, found evidence indicating that the potential for having made explosive devices was credible. Police located empty cans of black powder in the residence as well as a large number of pills. Police confirmed that Clark may have used the pill bottles as the container for the black powder.

When Clark was located by police, several pill bottles with a wick or fuse sticking out of them were seen in his coat pocket. Clark removed the coat and it was isolated until PA State Police bomb unit arrived to make sure the devices were safe.

Clark was upset that a propane company would not refill the residence’s propane tanks. The propane company is located in Swatara Twp. Swatara Twp. Police were immediately notified and responded to that business to notify them of the potential threat.

PA State Police rendered the devices safe. Lower Swatara Township Police are awaiting a report from them on the exact make up and workings of the devices found in Clark’s possession.

Clark remains in Harrisburg Hospital for a mental evaluation. Upon release, he faces charges of Threat to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction, Causing or Risking a Catastrophe and Terroristic Threats. While the devices were small (made from pill bottles) any device made to explode is a danger and can still cause injury or death.

Original Story:

Lower Swatara Twp. Police were dispatched to a home for a person who was possibly making explosive devices and had left the residence.  An investigation revealed that the threat to be credible and a county-wide alert was issued for the suspect.

In less than an hour the male suspect was located in the 2900 block of Fulling Mill Rd.  Potential homemade devices were seen in his clothes.  The PA State Police explosive ordinance unit responded and removed the devices.  The police made sure the man was safe and then he was taken to Harrisburg Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

The suspects name has not been released since charges have not yet been filed.  The incident is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lower Swatara Twp. Police via Dauphin County Control at 717-558-6900.

Before You Leave, Check This Out