Prosecutors Say Man Arrested For Making Pipe Bombs Wanted To Kill
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A north suburban man arrested for making pipe bombs allegedly said he was making the explosives to protect himself from the government, and wanted to kill several people and then himself.
Michael Suopys, 28, was arrested Saturday, after police officers working on a tip found out he had bought supplies online to build a weapon, and executed a search warrant at his parents' home.
Police found two pipe bombs, two pipes containing a material similar to the highly flammable Nitrocellulose, an empty steel pipe, a PVC pipe containing a motor, and laboratory equipment in Suopy's bedroom. He was charged with possessing bombs containing an explosive substance, and ordered held on $1 million bail on Sunday.
Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim said Suopys' diary included troubling statements about wanting to kill several people, and then himself, but there was no timetable indicated.
"There were mental health issues in the past that had prevented him from purchasing a gun, which is why he wanted to make these bombs, apparently, and he also indicated that he needed to make 'improvised grenades' in the event that the government came after him, so that he could protect himself from the government," Nerheim said.
A bomb squad safely disposed of the explosives found in Suopys' home. Nerheim said Suopys' diary included other troubling statements, but he said he could not reveal details yet.
Nerheim's said Suopys might face more charges.