New York Man Arrested After FBI Makes Shocking Discovery Inside White Plains Apartment

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, “dozens” of pipe bombs have been recovered from an apartment in White Plains, New York. Raymond Elders, 65, is being accused of using a weapon of mass destruction that resulted in an explosive incident. Elders, who has prior felony conviction, has now been charged with a total of five counts, including two for possessing explosives.

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday, March 30. The residents on Odell Avenue claimed to have heard small explosions in the locality. However, when two big ones occurred, the White Plains Police were called. “About 4-ish in the morning, it was a boom,” said Patricia Brunson, who is a resident of the locality.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were also called to the scene early Monday. When investigators searched the man’s apartment at 11 Odell Avenue, they discovered 25 complete pipe bombs along with supplies to make more explosives.

According to the White Plains Police, when Elders was arrested, he had black and blue residue on his hands and a lighter, confirming his involvement. According to CBS News, a federal criminal complaint was lodged against the man. It included a photo of him with an alleged pipe bomb outside his building.

According to sources, the explosive was made of PVC pipe, and it had a fuse. The outlet reported that the investigators also found 25 similar explosive devices at his home. Some of these were bundled together with a single fuse.

However, the devices could not be detonated remotely as they were dangerous, according to a source’s statement to CBS News. On Tuesday, a prosecutor described that incident as “a miracle” as it didn’t result in any casualties. “His behavior was dangerous, flagrant, and reckless,” said the prosecutor in a courtroom at the White Plains Federal Building.

According to the prosecution, Elders was caught on a surveillance camera standing with a device on a sidewalk on March 18. The footage showed him igniting the device and then throwing it into the street. He walked away as an off-camera explosion occurred.

Another individual has also been taken into custody however, he has not been charged with anything. He is however expected to serve as a witness. He reportedly told the investigators that he, Elders, was hoarding bomb-making materials in a purple suitcase in his bedroom. The witness reportedly was living with the perpetrator for a few weeks.

He also alleged that Elders left an “internet paper trail,” as he often discussed the subject of bomb-making with like-minded others online. His alleged crimes have been described as “the height of recklessness” that could have seriously injured or killed somebody.

His lawyer claimed that the man suffers from a history of addiction. Following his arrest, the residents of the area have been relieved. “We just want to be safe where we live, and in this day and age, with all these terrorists, who knows?” said Van Brunson, one of the neighbors.