‘They’re felonies’: Homemade pipe bombs are increasingly common in Utah, officials say

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Homemade pipe bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are on the rise in Utah, according to the Statewide Information Analysis Center.

Tanner Jensen, Director at the Statewide Information Analysis Center with the Department of Public Safety, spoke with ABC4 regarding the issue.

The conversation follows an incident in which Provo Police found 71 explosive devices, as well as a large amount of bomb-making materials, in an Orem man’s apartment after he was arrested for brandishing a weapon near a Provo mall on Friday, April 25.

The man — Eric Whitaker, 41 — faces 71 charges of possession of weapons of mass destruction as a result of the findings. His case was referred to the Utah County Attorney’s Office.

“There has been a spike recently,” Jensen said about IEDs. “There have been a number of incidents here in the state that we’re concerned about. These homemade explosives are very dangerous. They’re highly concerning. They’re illegal, they’re felonies to have. So, for law enforcement, we take it very seriously.”

In speaking about the intentions behind the individuals who make these devices, Jensen explained, “Some individuals may be doing it for criminal purposes. Some individuals may be doing it because they’re curious and have a fascination with fireworks and explosives. But either way, when these are constructed, they can be extremely dangerous, and we’ve had incidents here in the state where individuals that were trying to make them as a hobby ended up hurting themselves severely.”

Regardless of intention, Jensen is urging the public to immediately contact law enforcement if you believe you’ve come across a homemade explosive, or know someone who is making them — even if it’s without malicious intent. He said police dedicate a significant amount of resources in matters like this to ensure these devices are rendered safe.

Additionally, if you are concerned about somebody, or if someone is demonstrating mental health issues, you should contact law enforcement, Jensen said.