College Park Explosives Investigation Leads to Arrest

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

A joint investigation involving the Fire/EMS Department’s Office of the Fire Marshal and the Prince George’s County Police Department resulted in the discovery and mitigation of criminal activity involving explosives.  Two federal agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) also assisted with the investigation.

An on-going investigation into a pipe bomb incident that occurred on December 18 at a home in the 8800 block of 48th Avenue in College Park led investigators to two other College Park homes.  Tuesday’s incident has not been forensically linked to today's incident; however, investigators believe that there is a relationship between the two incidents.  Analysis of forensic evidence will determine if these incidents are conclusively linked. 


At approximately 4:00 am, Friday, December 21, investigators developed information indicating that a potential hazardous device was located in a van parked in the 5000 block of Edgewood Road.  The Fire/EMS Department’s Bomb Squad disrupted the device and rendered it safe.  The contents of the device were collected and will be examined at a forensics laboratory.  The associated residence was checked for additional hazardous devices with none being located.

At approximately 10:30 am a search warrant was executed on a house in the 9000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, intersection of Blackfoot Place, by the bomb squad and members of law enforcement.  As a result of the criminal investigation John Frank Jenkins (W/M 12/25/83), resident of the Rhode Island Ave address, was arrested and has been charged with two felony counts of “Manufacture or possession of a destructive device”, (Criminal Law Article 4-503) which carries a maximum penalty of 25 Years and/or a fine of $250,000.  As this remains an open and ongoing investigation, additional charges are possible.  No additional hazardous devices were discovered at this location.  An adult female occupant was also arrested on an unrelated open warrant.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Hoglander stated, "This investigation involved serious criminal activity that included explosives.  I'm confident that we stopped activity that could have resulted in harm to innocent people and property damage."

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor stated, "The successful mitigation of this dangerous activity is a result of an around the clock investigation by our the Office of the Fire Marshal and the cooperation of the County Police and Federal Partners."

The County Police, FBI and ATF have jointly participated in this on-going investigation.  The City of Annapolis Fire Department’s Bomb Squad also assisted at the two incidents today.

John Frank Jenkins (W/M 12/25/83), resident of the Rhode Island Avenue address.

Fire/EMS Department Bomb Squad members are briefed before conducting search of a house on Rhode Island Avenue.

Fire/EMS Department Bomb Squad members are briefed before conducting search of a house on
 Rhode Island Avenue.

Incident Command bus and Annapolis City Bomb Squad staged near Rhode Island Avenue

The intersection of Blackfoot Place and Rhode Island Avenue was closed while the search was conducted.

A Fire/EMS Department Bomb Squad member prepares for the search for explosive devices.

Comments