Bucks County DA: Suspect Charged With Weapons Of Mass Destruction In Connection To Mysterious Explosions
Follow CBSPHILLY Facebook | Twitter
BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) -- Police made an arrest Thursday in a series of mysterious explosions that have rocked Bucks County for months. Law enforcement converged on two locations in Quakertown as part of the investigation – a chemical company on Old Bethlehem Pike and the home of the owner of that company on Spinnerstown Road.
David Surman Jr. is being charged with possession of weapons of mass destruction. He would not speak when entering for his arraignment and made no comments about the disturbing finds in his home.
BREAKING: Suspect in bombing named: David W. Surman Jr. DOB: 10/14/87. He owned both the home and a chemical business. He is currently at the PSP barracks in Dublin and will be arraigned around 430p here in Richland Twsp.
— Greg Argos (@GregArgosCBS3) June 28, 2018
"This was what we believe to be a large bomb that was capable of mass destruction," said Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub.
The FBI and ATF have worked the case with Pennsylvania State Police for months. They have been investigating 30 rattling booms which terrorized those living in Upper Bucks County since April 2.
The investigation turned on Thursday as authorities secured search warrants on two separate scenes: the Consolidated Chemical and Solvent Company which Surman Jr. owned on Bethlehem Pike and his home on Spinnerstown Road.
WATCH LIVE: Bucks County DA announces arrest of suspect in connection to mysterious explosions. David Surman Jr. has been charged with weapons of mass destruction. DETAILS: https://wp.me/p11qnw-4em3
Posted by CBS Philly on Thursday, June 28, 2018
Federal agents conducts four controlled explosions across the street from his business.
Besides other bombs and chemicals, agents uncovered strange drawings and pictures, some with hate symbols, and others showing Surman Jr. and his girlfriend driving away from a bombing scene.
BREAKING: Device removed from chemical company structure on old Bethlehem Pike. Police sources tell @CBSPhilly one man is now in custody in connection to 20+ explosions which have rocked this community since April 2 pic.twitter.com/X2P7ORnOej
— Greg Argos (@GregArgosCBS3) June 28, 2018
"You can see some of the musings that were found in the defendant's house," said Weintraub.
Weintraub says a motive is unclear and warns that there could be more planted bombs.
Mysterious Booms, House-Rattling Sounds In Pennsylvania Under Investigation By FBI
"I am a little concerned there may be unexploded bombs out there," said Weintraub.
Neighbors, though, hope this is the end of the frightening booms which have terrorized them for months.
"I'm glad it's over, for not only me, but the residents out here," said one person. "We're a close knit family and I'm just glad it's over, if it's over."
Surman Jr. is being held on $750,000 bond.
To date, police say no one has reported any injuries related to the explosions.