71 explosive devices, bomb-making materials found in Orem man’s apartment

OREM, Utah (ABC4) — A total of 71 explosive devices, as well as a large amount of bomb-making materials, were found in an Orem man’s apartment after he was arrested for brandishing a weapon near a Provo mall on Friday, according to Provo Police.

Following Friday’s arrest Eric Whitaker, 41, for possession of devices near the Provo Towne Centre Mall, Provo Police obtained a search warrant for Whitaker’s apartment in Orem.

Upon executing the warrant, police found bomb-making materials, as well as “a large number of home-made improvised explosive anti-personnel fragmentation grenade devices,” a press release from Provo Police states.

Investigators evacuated the apartment building while the Metro Bomb Squad responded to the scene. In total, they recovered 71 home-made explosive devices from Whitaker’s apartment, along with bomb-making materials.

Police have added 71 charges of possession of weapons of mass destruction to Whitaker’s
booking information, along with one charge of possession of bomb-making materials. The case has now been referred to the Utah County Attorney’s Office.

“We are grateful for the expert training, skills, and equipment that our Metro Bomb Squad officers provide during their response to EOD incidents, protecting our investigators as well as our community,” Provo Police said. “We are proud of our Patrol Officers for their fast response to the initial report of suspicious activity, and their continued assistance to our Detectives during the follow-up investigation. We also appreciate Orem PD’s Patrol Division for assisting in the evacuation measures during the search warrant.”

No further information is available at this time.