Maid Finds Explosive Device In Teen's Bedroom
Chris Cole, The Arizona Republic11:30 a.m. EDT May 8, 2013
Police find additional materials used for making improvised explosive devices.
Joshua Prater, 18, is taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct involving weapons and possessing a prohibited weapon and improvised explosive device, or IED in Tempe, Ariz. on May 7. (Photo: KPNX-TV)
TEMPE, Ariz. -- A Marcos De Niza High School senior was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of possessing an improvised explosive device, authorities said.
Joshua Prater, 18, was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct involving weapons and possessing a prohibited weapon and improvised explosive device, or IED, said Sgt. Mike Pooley, a Tempe Police Department spokesman.
A woman was cleaning Prater's family's house when she found a device that looked like a bomb. She took it to a Tempe Fire Station to have it checked out about 2:30 p.m., Pooley said.
Firefighters immediately notified Tempe police, who responded to the scene and deemed the device as a legitimate IED, which was disabled, Pooley said.
The woman told police that there were more materials in Prater's bedroom at the house she was cleaning. She had taken photos of the materials, which showed items used for making more IEDs, Pooley said.
Police were searching the house Tuesday evening, Pooley said.
Police haven't found any threats to Prater's school but have taken precautionary measures by notifying officials there. Police also plan to check the school for any threats, Pooley said.
Prater lives with his mother and father, who were interviewed by police cleared of any involvement, Pooley said.
