Midlander found with explosives claimed he was trying to make ‘fireworks'
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man arrested last week after he was allegedly caught with explosive components claimed he was only trying to make 'fireworks' for his grandchild. Brock Burt, 58, has been charged with Components of Explosives and Prohibited Weapon, both third-degree felonies.
According to court documents, on May 14, the Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office began investigating after a suspicious incendiary device was found in the parking lot of a business on Princeton Avenue. Surveillance video from the area showed that a man in a red Dodge truck pulled into the lot around 10:00 pm on May 13 and exited his vehicle. The suspect then placed a glass liquor bottle on the ground and, after waiting for traffic to clear, lit the bottle. Investigators said the bottle contained brake fluid and calcium hypochlorite, substances that, when combined, can explode.
Working together with the Midland Police Department and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, as well as the Midland County Fire Marshal's Office, investigators identified the driver of the Dodge as Burt. In a later interview with Burt, investigators said he admitted to creating the device after watching a video on YouTube and that he intended only to make fireworks for his grandson.
At Burt's home, investigators reportedly found three five-pound bags of calcium hypochlorite, multiple bottles of brake fluid, and several Jack Daniel's bottles already prepared with the volatile mixture. In addition, investigators said they found narcotics and a firearm in Burt's possession.
He was arrested and booked into the Midland County Detention Center; he's since been released on a $20,000 bond.
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