Law enforcement discovered items resembling homemade explosives in the vehicle of a Virginia man who was arrested on New Year’s Day, authorities confirmed.

On Wednesday, police took 19-year-old Alexander Sweetman into custody in Arlington, Virginia, after investigating reports about a suspicious driver wearing a ski mask, as stated in a press release from the Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page. Sweetman fled on foot when approached by deputies at a 7-Eleven but was apprehended shortly after.

Warren County is situated roughly 80 miles west of Washington, D.C.

Police initially responded to reports of a dark-colored Honda parked suspiciously off the road. Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate the vehicle, but later sightings matched the description at a nearby 7-Eleven, where Sweetman was found.

The preliminary investigation indicated that Sweetman neither owned the vehicle nor had a driver’s license, and he displayed possible mental health concerns, according to police.

Inside the vehicle, police discovered “burglary tools,” and upon obtaining a search warrant, found several items that appeared to be homemade explosives.

The Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office, Loudoun County Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were called in for support. Bomb Squad experts safely removed the explosives and performed a controlled detonation.

While searching for any discarded items near the original location of Sweetman and the car, police deployed explosive detection dogs for further investigation after finding the explosives.

What charges does Sweetman face?

After being taken to a hospital for a medical assessment, Sweetman was brought to the Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail, where he faces several charges, including:

• Obstruction of justice
• Possession of burglary tools
• Wearing a mask to conceal identity
• Driving without a license
• Manufacturing and possessing explosive materials or devices

As confirmed by police, Sweetman is being held at the jail without bail.

Incident Timeline

The Warren County Emergency Communications Center received reports around 9:30 p.m. of a suspicious dark-colored Honda without visible license plates being parked off the road, with the driver reportedly wearing a ski mask.

Upon arrival, deputies were unable to find the Honda.

Later, officers were informed that a vehicle matching the description was seen at a 7-Eleven. When police approached the driver, who was still wearing the ski mask, he fled on foot but was subsequently caught.

Notable Recent Seizure of Explosive Devices in Virginia

This arrest follows a significant case where the FBI reported the largest seizure of explosive devices in its history in Virginia, according to federal court records.

On December 17, Brad Spafford, 36, from Isle of Wight, Virginia, was taken into custody after federal agents found over 150 suspected explosive devices on his farm near Newport News.

Spafford is charged with unlawfully possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, which could lead to a 10-year prison sentence. Additionally, he faces more charges related to possessing unregistered destructive devices, according to assistant U.S. attorney Rebecca Gantt.