CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Clearwater man was arrested after Florida Highway Patrol found what they believed to be a homemade explosive in his car during a traffic stop.
Officials pulled over Jared C. Brady and notified CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. This led to an investigation led by the Department's Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations' Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit.
During an interview, Brady was questioned and later admitted involvement in the setting of several unreported fires at a local park as well as making explosive/incendiary compounds.
Investigators searched Brady's home and found three improvised explosive devices, along with precursor chemicals, manufacturing equipment and records indicating manufacture dates going back to 2015.
"When I heard something like this could happen in this neighborhood, it kind of worries me," said a neighbor who didn't want to give his name.
The investigative unit confirmed Brady had manufactured at least four illegal destructive devices.
He was arrested and charged with possession of a destructive device and three counts of manufacturing a destructive device.
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
We stopped by Brady's home, but no one answered. We also reached out to Brady's attorney who told us he could not comment on the case.
