LOS ANGELES — Authorities are looking into the intentions of a man who was found in possession of weapons and explosives, and who was reportedly was planning on attending the LA Pride festival later that day.
Santa Monica patrol police responded to a call call about a suspected prowler who was knocking on a resident’s door and window about 5 a.m. in the 1700 block of 11th Street on Sunday, according to the LA Times.
When officers arrived, they encountered Wesley Howell, 20, who was sitting in a white Acura registered in Indiana.
A search of the car revealed three assault rifles, high-capacity ammunition and a 5-gallon jug containing “chemicals capable of forming an improvised explosive device,” police said, according to the LA Times.
The Times reported that a law enforcement source who spoke to them on condition of anonymity said the contents of the jug included Tannerite, which is an ingredient that could be used to create a pipe bomb. However, the manufacturer of the substance says it can only be detonated by high-velocity impact, such as a bullet strike.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said the suspect told police he was going to the Pride parade to look for a friend.
