Paul Moses Alden, 46, was arrested in San Antonio, Texas for allegedly placing “pressure-activated” fireworks under toilet seats in bathrooms of local businesses, causing explosions and minor injuries to several people. He was charged with “arson causing reckless damage – bodily injury” and released on a $50,000 bond. Alden is awaiting indictment.
The first attack was reported on July 20 at a car wash in Helotes, Texas where a woman was injured in the explosion. Six days later, a little girl and an employee at a different car wash in San Antonio were also victims of the exploding devices. Security camera footage showed Alden entering and leaving the bathrooms, watching the door, and leaving after the explosions.
Alden was identified as a “regular customer” of the car washes because he used a membership card. Employees of the businesses cooperated with authorities and shared security footage that captured Alden’s actions. The Wash Tub spokesman commended the quick action of the San Antonio Police Department and the arson investigator working on the case.
While out on bond, Alden is currently awaiting indictment for his alleged crimes. The explosive devices used were commercially available and caused injuries when someone sat down on the toilet seat triggering the explosion. The incidents caused alarm and concern among the local community, but law enforcement officials were able to apprehend the suspect.
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