Man Arrested After 71 Homemade Bombs Found in Orem Apartment

PROVO, Utah — A 41-year-old man, Eric Whitaker, was arrested Friday after police discovered 71 homemade bombs in his Orem apartment. The arrest came after a road rage incident at the Provo Towne Centre Mall led officers to a report of a man brandishing a gun.

Provo Police Chief Troy Beebe stated that officers responded to the mall parking lot around 10:30 a.m. Friday after witnesses reported the violent confrontation. Upon arrival, officers found Whitaker in his vehicle, where they discovered a handgun along with four devices resembling pipe bombs in his trunk.

Whitaker initially claimed the devices were firecrackers but later admitted they were modified flares intended for potential hiking emergencies, according to a police booking affidavit. However, bomb squad members assessed the items and deemed them to be incendiary devices.

The following day, police secured a search warrant for Whitaker’s apartment, leading to the discovery of bomb-making materials and multiple improvised grenades. “The devices contained shrapnel and explosive powders that could cause serious injury or death to individuals nearby if detonated,” the affidavit stated.

Due to the severity of the situation, the apartment building was evacuated for four hours while the bomb squad safely removed all discovered devices. In total, authorities seized 71 explosives from Whitaker’s residence.

Whitaker is now facing 71 counts of possessing a weapon of mass destruction and other charges. Provo police indicated that they are investigating further, including seeking warrants for Whitaker’s electronic devices to determine his intent. “These devices are designed for mass harm and casualties,” Beebe remarked.

At this time, there is no indication of any additional individuals involved or any ongoing threat to the public.