Capitol Heights Man Charged After Pipe Bomb Found In Storage Unit

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD — A Capitol Heights man is facing charges after authorities discovered a pipe bomb inside his rented storage unit.

Robert Criss, 43, was arrested Thursday and charged with possession of an explosive device as well as illegal possession of ammunition following the discovery earlier this week, Prince George's County police said in a news release.

According to police, the Prince George’s County bomb squad responded to a storage facility in the 4400 block of Suitland Road shortly after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday after an employee reported finding a suspicious device inside a unit rented by Criss.

The homemade explosive device, which investigators determined was a pipe bomb, was rendered safe by authorities. During a subsequent search of the unit, police also discovered ballistic-resistant body armor and a variety of ammunition.

According to police, Criss is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to a previous criminal conviction. Officers arrested Criss when he returned to the storage facility.

Criss is currently in custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the PGPD’s Major Crimes Division at 301-516-2500. Tips can also be submitted through Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 25-0012917.