A Texas man is accused of placing a “pressure-activated” explosive device under a public toilet seat, injuring three people, multiple reports citing police.
According to online records, Paul Moses Alden, 46, was arrested on Aug. 1 on suspicion of arson with negligence and assault with bodily injury.
Alden is accused of setting off explosive devices last month in the restrooms of two San Antonio-area car washes, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KENS 5. The plot led to explosions that injured three people, including a child, the outlet reported, citing the affidavit.
According to an affidavit cited by KENS5, the first incident was reported on July 20 at a Washtub car wash in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, Texas. Authorities claimed they had security camera footage that showed a man entering a unisex restroom. A few minutes later, a woman entered the restroom and an explosion occurred, according to the affidavit. The woman was injured, but then called police.
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Less than a week later, police said a similar incident occurred at another Wash Tub in San Antonio, injuring two people, including a child, KENS 5 reported. Authorities said a man believed to be Aldens was also seen on security camera footage before and after the explosion.
Police determined Aldence was a regular customer and member of the car wash, according to WSAZ.
“We are very pleased with the swift response from SAPD and the arson investigators working this case,” a Wash Tub spokesperson told KENS 5. “We will continue to cooperate fully with SAPD and the District Attorney’s Office.”
Alden was released on $50,000 bail the same day he was arrested, records show. He is awaiting arraignment, records show. People magazine could not immediately identify an attorney representing Alden.
