Prince George’s County Police arrested and charged an individual for his alleged connection to a series of pipe bombs that were planted in the area, according to Prince George’s County Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady.
John Frank Jenkins, 28, of College Park was arrested and charged with two felony counts of manufacture or possession of a destructive device, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years and a $250,000 fine, according to the department’s blog.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigations assisted the department in its investigation, the blog stated.
Fire officials responded to the 5000 block of Edgewood Road in College Park at around 4 a.m. after their investigation led them to believe there was an explosive device there, Brady said. The bomb squad found and disarmed an explosive device in a white van. That device was similar to the one that exploded in front of a home on 48th Avenue on Tuesday, Brady added.
Officials investigated another tip at the 9000 block of Blackwood Place in College Park but found no additional devices. No injuries or damages were reported.
Jenkins is also scheduled to go to court in January on a charge of theft of less than $1,000, according to court documents. Additionally, he is set to stand trial in March on multiple charges, including allegedly obtaining prescriptions and controlled substances through fraud and issuing forged prescriptions, according to court records.
In 2009, Jenkins was found guilty of concealing a dangerous weapon.
The department’s investigation will continue, Brady said.
This story will be updated as more information as obtained. Check back for updates and follow The Diamondback on Twitter @thedbk.
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