STILLWATER, Minn. — A traffic stop in the east Twin Cities metro over a revoked driver’s license led to the discovery of explosive devices and criminal charges against an East Bethel man who identifies as a ” sovereign citizen .”
The Washington County Attorney’s Office charged the 46-year-old suspect last month with felony possession of firearms and explosive devices. He also faces gross misdemeanor drug and traffic violation charges.
According to the criminal complaint, the man was pulled over in early November on Highway 36 in Oak Park Heights after a city police officer ran his license plate and determined he wasn’t allowed to drive.
The man was arrested for not having a license or insurance card, with two previous convictions for such violations in the past 10 years.
Before his vehicle was towed, officers found two apparent explosive devices inside: One comprised of nine “small COâ‚‚ canisters with wicks attached to them by tape,” according to the complaint, and “a white PVC pipe approximately 8 inches in length, with caps screwed on both ends.”