New York Man Charged After Police Find Over 25 Explosive Devices in Apartment
Federal prosecutors have announced that a 65-year-old man in suburban New York is facing serious charges after authorities discovered more than two dozen improvised explosive devices in his apartment. The discovery followed multiple reports of loud explosions in the White Plains neighborhood, prompting a coordinated response from local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Discovery of Explosive Materials
According to a criminal complaint, Raymond Elders was found inside his Odell Avenue apartment early on Monday with a "bluish-black chemical residue" on his hands and holding a lighter when police arrived. Officers initially responded to calls from neighbors who reported hearing two larger blasts, though residents had noted smaller explosions in the area for several weeks prior.
Upon arrival, authorities detected an "acrid, burning odor" and observed what appeared to be a pipe bomb on the front steps of the building. A witness directed police to Elders' apartment, where he and another individual were located. A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of at least 25 improvised explosive devices, as detailed in the complaint.
Federal Charges and Court Appearance
Elders has been charged with multiple federal offenses, including:
- Use of a weapon of mass destruction
- Manufacturing destructive devices
- Possession of explosives following prior felony convictions
He appeared in court on Tuesday, where a judge ordered him held in custody due to concerns that he poses both a flight risk and a danger to the public. Sungso Lee, the federal public defender representing Elders, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.
Surveillance Evidence and Neighborhood Impact
Prosecutors revealed that surveillance video from earlier this month shows a man believed to be Elders standing on a sidewalk on his street, holding what appears to be an explosive device. The footage allegedly depicts him lighting the device, throwing it into the street, and fleeing on foot before an explosion is heard seconds later.
Neighbors described a pattern of disturbing activity, with one resident stating she had been hearing explosion-like sounds in the area for several weeks. The incident drew responses from the White Plains Police Department, the FBI, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), highlighting the severity of the threat.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about homemade explosive devices in residential areas and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to address such dangers. Further legal proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.
