Man Arrested in Edgewater After Discovering Pipe Bomb in Car Wash Trash Can

A man in Edgewater, Florida, is now facing charges after allegedly abandoning a homemade pipe bomb at a local car wash, according to Volusia County deputies. Anthony Ray West, 58, was arrested on Wednesday evening at his residence. This arrest was prompted by a call from West’s wife, who informed authorities that her husband had left their home carrying a duffel bag containing the aforementioned pipe bomb. Inside the bag, investigators discovered books on bomb-making and various materials related to constructing explosives.

Upon confronting West, law enforcement officials reported that the suspect acknowledged constructing the pipe bomb. However, he strongly asserted that it had been created a considerable time ago and had never been intended to cause harm to anyone. West claimed to have forgotten that the explosive device was in the bag and mentioned that his wife had warned him about the impending arrival of the bomb squad. Panicked, he hastily disposed of the bomb in a trash can at Wally Wash, which is situated at 1317 S. Ridgewood Ave. in Edgewater.

Fortunately, the bomb squad was able to successfully retrieve the discarded pipe bomb from the trash can, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. As a result of his actions, West now faces charges of manufacturing an explosive device and possession of bomb-making materials. The seriousness of these charges underscores the potential danger that such devices pose to the community.

It is crucial to note that incidents involving homemade explosives can have catastrophic consequences. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, prioritizes public safety and remains vigilant in detecting and neutralizing potential threats. The collaborative efforts of these agencies ensure that incidents like this are promptly addressed before they escalate.

The arrest of Anthony Ray West serves as a reminder that the illegal manufacturing and possession of explosive devices are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement. The thorough investigation conducted by the authorities reflects their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents in Edgewater and beyond.

As developments in this case continue to unfold, it is imperative that community members remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. By working hand in hand with law enforcement, we can collectively contribute to safeguarding our neighborhoods and deterring potential threats.