An 18-year-old high school student in Tempe, Ariz. was arrested for making an improvized explosive device after a cleaning lady stumbled upon it in the student's home.
Joshua Prater, a senior at Marcos de Niza High School, has been charged with building the explosive device. The maid, who has not been identified, found the IED and brought it to the local fire station, unaware that it posed an immediate threat to her life. From there, firefighters contacted the Tempe Police bomb squad, which sent over investigators that dissembled the device.
"There was fuse that was coming out from the device which would be how you light it and it would cause the fuse to go in there and explode," said Tempe Police Dept. Sgt. Mike Pooley. "The bomb was ready to go. It was active. All it needed was the trigger."
He added, "They had it X-rayed, they saw it was a valid IED. It was something that wasn't big, but could cause serious injuries and the death of someone."
Prater was charged with of misconduct involving weapons and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Though the purpose of the device remains unclear, Prater reportedly told police that he built the device eight years ago and was unaware that it still contained explosive powder. However, police found other bomb-making materials in the suspect's room.
Prater's neighbors say they are stunned by the accusations.
"I was just with him today," Princeton Jackson told 3TV. "I've never seen any of that stuff in his house. I know he'd go out to the dunes and shoot at bottles, but kids do that."
"I've known him since he came home from the hospital," neighbor Francine Moore added. "His mother always said what a good student he is, so this is really surprising."
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