A police investigation that began after an improvised explosive device detonated near Merchants Square Thursday night has resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old Gloucester man.
Stephen Powers of Gloucester, Va., was arrested at his home by the Williamsburg Police Department Friday and has been charged with possession and use of an explosive device and committing an act of terrorism, according to a department press release.
“I would personally like to thank all the local, state and federal law enforcement partners who worked around the clock to quickly apprehend a potentially dangerous member of the community,” Williamsburg Police Chief Sean Dunn said in the release.
The investigation involved multiple agencies that included Williamsburg Police, Colonial Williamsburg Public Safety, James City County, Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the release stated.
Around 5 p.m. Thursday Williamsburg Police and fire units were called to a parking lot located at the intersection of South Boundary and Francis streets for a report of a vehicle fire. When units arrived, they found a fire near a vehicle in the center of the lot, but the vehicle itself was not on fire or damaged, police spokesman Maj. Greg Riley said.
Instead, police found evidence of an improvised explosive device that had been detonated inside the lot, Riley said.
“Although officials believe this is an isolated incident, the investigation will continue,” the release stated.
Police are asking anyone with information on Powers or his activities to call Crime Stoppers at 1-888- LOCK-U- UP or Williamsburg Police Department at 757-220- 2331.
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