A Midland man who was detained last week on suspicion of possessing explosive materials stated that he was merely attempting to construct “fireworks” for his grandchild. Brock Burt, 58, faces third-degree felony charges of Prohibited Weapon and Components of Explosives.
A suspicious incendiary device was discovered in the parking lot of a company on Princeton Avenue on May 14, prompting the Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office to launch an investigation, according to court filings. On May 13, at around 10:00 p.m., a man in a red Dodge truck parked into the lot and got out, according to local surveillance footage.
After waiting for traffic to clear, the suspect set a glass liquor bottle on the ground and lighted it. According to investigators, the bottle included calcium hypochlorite and brake fluid, two chemicals that can explode when together.
Investigators identified the driver of the Dodge as Burt after consulting with the Midland County Fire Marshal’s Office, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Midland Police Department. Investigators claimed that in a subsequent interview with Burt, he acknowledged that he made the gadget after seeing a YouTube video and that his only goal was to manufacture fireworks for his grandson.
Investigators allegedly discovered many bottles of brake fluid, three five-pound bags of calcium hypochlorite, and several Jack Daniel’s bottles already mixed with the volatile combination at Burt’s house. Investigators also claimed to have discovered a gun and drugs in Burt’s possession.
After being taken into custody and checked into the Midland County Detention Center, he was later freed on a $20,000 bond.
Read More – Serial machete attack rocked Los Angeles, 1 in custody after 1 died after attack
