PHOENIX (AP) - A man has been accused of throwing fused explosives that mainly damaged landscapes and property in northwest Phoenix neighborhoods late last year, police said Monday.
Houston Willis, 44, was taken into custody at his home after investigators gathered probable cause to make an arrest, police said.
Explosive and pyrotechnic items found in large commercial fireworks were recovered from Willis’ home and vehicle, police said.
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It’s unclear if Willis, who police said is facing three felony counts of depositing of explosives and 15 other related charges, has a lawyer yet who can speak on his behalf.
A series of explosions were reported between October and December of 2018 in a 35-square-mile area of northwest Phoenix not far from where Willis lives, according to police.
No injuries were reported, but police said they received more than 150 calls from residents who heard loud bangs or booms.
A motive isn’t immediately known, but police investigators believe Willis threw explosives from his vehicle or other set points and they went off immediately.
Officers from the Cactus Park Precinct were on patrol in the area of 35th Avenue and Union Hills Drive on Jan. 6 when “they saw a bright flash and heard a loud bang,” said Sgt. Armando Carbajal, a police spokesman.
Officers saw a pickup truck matching the description provided by witnesses. The officers stopped the vehicle and spoke to Willis, who denied any involvement.
But detectives eventually developed probable cause to arrest Willis on Monday.
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