BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The city's police chief credited multiple witnesses for letting investigators quickly look into a man who allegedly intended to set off an explosive device at Musikfest.
Those tips led police to obtain a search warrant Friday and discover multiple explosives at a home on the 700 block of Wyandotte Street where Robert "Bob" Bowen Jr. was staying, Chief Michelle Kott said Monday.
The improvised devices were about the same size as large fireworks — such as a quarter stick or M-80, she said.
"Public safety is all of our responsibility, and this is a perfect example of people hearing something and acting," Kott said.
- Bethlehem police said they detained Robert "Bob" Bowen Jr. Friday after learning he said he intended to detonate an explosive at Musikfest
- The criminal complaint alleges Bowen possessed improvised explosives, modified grenades and a homemade gun
- Bowen's bail has been set at $500,000 cash. He was being held in Northampton County Prison as of Monday morning.
Kott said police have linked Bowen to other incidents involving explosives in the city.
Police have been in contact with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kott said. She said the investigation continues.
Tied to other incidents
In interviews with law enforcement, Bowen denied he intended to set off an explosive at Musikfest, Kott said.
It wasn't immediately clear whether Bowen had retained an attorney.
Kott said that as of Monday morning, Bowen, 53, was in Northampton County Prison in lieu of a cash bail of $500,000.
Kott said police have linked Bowen to at least three incidents of a man setting off "firework-sized" devices in the city.
One of them damaged a vehicle in the 700 block of Wyandotte Street, she said. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Most of the documents tied to Bowen's case, including the affidavit and search warrant, remain sealed, according to court officials. However, the criminal complaint against Bowen provides some details of the allegations.
The complaint states Bowen possessed or manufactured "homemade IEDs [improvised explosive devices] featuring black powder" explosives and a fuse as well as "two modified grenades capable of detonation via a fuse or similar ignition source," according to the complaint.
Bowen also possessed a zip gun, or homemade firearm, capable of firing 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, according to police.
Police said in court documents Bowen also illegally possessed heroin, psychedelic mushrooms and methamphetamines, as well as drug paraphernalia.
He's been charged with two counts of possessing of weapons of mass destruction, one count of possessing a prohibited offensive weapon, three counts of simple possession and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia.
