Man Injured Detonating 'Homemade Explosive Devices' In Fairfield: PD

FAIRFIELD, CT — A man suffered "significant hand injuries" on Sunday while detonating "multiple homemade explosive devices" in a secluded area in the Pine Creek Marsh in Fairfield, according to authorities.

A second individual was involved with the incident, but no other injuries were reported. As a result of the explosions, the matter is under investigation by Fairfield police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"This incident remains under active investigation, and as such, no charges have been filed at this time," Fairfield Police Sgt. Michael Stahl said in an email to Patch. "Both individuals involved are adults, but we are not releasing their identities at this stage."

Fairfield police were notified by an area hospital at about 12:25 p.m. on Sunday that the facility was treating the injured man.

"The patient disclosed to hospital staff that he and a friend had built and detonated multiple homemade explosive devices earlier that day," Stahl said in a statement.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the two "had constructed four devices using materials purchased online and at retail locations." They then took them to the Pine Creek Marsh area, where they attempted to detonate them.

"Two devices were successfully detonated, but the third device exploded prematurely, causing the injuries," Stahl said. The fourth device remained undetonated and was left at the scene in the Pine Creek Marsh."

After driving his friend to the hospital, the second individual left and returned to their college residence out of state, according to Stahl.

Fairfield Police, in collaboration with the Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad, located and safely disposed of the undetonated device left at the Pine Creek Marsh.

"In interviews, the individuals described their actions as 'experimentation' with explosive materials," Stahl told Patch. "Based on our findings, there is no indication of any criminal intent. We emphasize that this type of activity is both unsafe and illegal, posing significant risks to those involved."

In addition to Pine Creek Marsh, the investigation also extended to a home on Arbor Drive, where additional materials related to the devices were discovered.

"Out of an abundance of caution, several nearby homes were evacuated by officers on scene, while the Stamford Bomb Squad and Fairfield Police secured the area," Stahl said. "Residents were allowed to return to their homes later that evening.

"Due to the nature of the incident and the fact that one of the individuals involved had crossed state lines to return to their college, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was contacted for
assistance," Stahl added. "The FBI supported the investigation by conducting interviews and coordinating efforts across jurisdictions."

Homemade explosive devices "pose significant risks to those handling them and can result in severe injuries or even death. While the specific incident investigated in this case did not escalate to a broader public safety threat, such experimentation has the potential to endanger the wider community," Stahl said.

The Fairfield Police Department thanked both the Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad and the FBI for their assistance and expertise while investigating the incident.

"We strongly urge residents to report any suspicious activity involving explosives or hazardous materials to authorities immediately," Stahl said. "The safety of our community relies on proactive awareness and cooperation. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as our officers worked to resolve this matter safely."

Anyone with additional information regarding this or related incidents is urged to contact the Fairfield Police Department Detective Division at 203-254-4840.

Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app; by texting the keyword 'FPDCT' and your message to 847411 (Tip411); or online at fpdct.com/tips.

(Note: When sending a tip by text message, text keyword FPDCT to 847411, add a space, type in
the tip, and hit send.)