Police in San Bernardino County arrested a 46-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from Arizona who was found in possession of enough explosive precursors to potentially manufacture improvised explosive devices earlier this week, officials announced.
Chino Police Department officers initially responded to a Motel 6 at 12266 Central Avenue on April 28 after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle.
At the location, police spotted firearm components within plain view inside the parked vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle, identified as Jorge Moreno, was contacted in his hotel room by police and found in possession of an unregistered firearm.
“A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed chemicals and supplies consistent with precursors of an explosive device, along with several airsoft guns, a ballistic vest and two gas masks,” a Chino PD news release stated.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as members of the Ontario Fire Department’s Bomb Squad, assisted in securing the scene and taking custody of the chemicals.
Further investigation found that the retired veteran had specialized experience in explosive ordnance and ammunition.
An additional warrant was issued for Moreno’s hotel room where officers recovered more materials, a written formula for a smoke bomb and narcotics.
The 46-year-old was taken into custody and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for possession of materials with intent to make a destructive device, police said.
An investigation into the retired veteran’s activities and intentions is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Chino Police Department Detective Reggie Barber at 909-334-3144.
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