Clearwater Man Arrested For Possession Of Homemade Explosives

CLEARWATER, FL – A Clearwater man was arrested after investigators found him in possession of a homemade explosive and also found evidence of him manufacturing illegal explosive devices in his home, according to a news release from the Department of Financial Services. Jared C. Brady, 19, faces charges of manufacturing and possessing destructive devices.

Following a traffic stop on Nov. 28, the Florida Highway Patrol troopers observed what was believed to be a homemade explosive in Brady’s vehicle. Brady was questioned and later admitted involvement in the setting of several unreported fires at a local park and to making explosive/incendiary compounds, DFS officials said.

Brady was charged after an investigation by the department's Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the FHP.

After serving a search warrant at Brady’s home, three improvised explosive devices were recovered along with precursor chemicals, manufacturing equipment and records indicating manufacture dating back to 2015. Authorities confirmed that Brady had manufactured at least four illegal destructive devices.

Brady was arrested and booked into Pinellas County Jail on Nov. 29, and has been charged with possession of a destructive device and three counts of manufacturing a destructive device. The case will be prosecuted by the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office and, if convicted, Brady could face up to 15 years in prison, according to the press release.

Image via Shutterstock