San Antonio man allegedly booby-trapped car wash bathrooms, left exploding fireworks under toilets
08/08/2024 3:13 pm PDT
SAN ANTONIO (TCN) -- A 46-year-old man is facing felony charges after he allegedly left fireworks underneath public toilets, causing explosions whenever pressure was applied to the seats.
Bexar County court records show Paul Alden posted bond on Aug. 1 following his arrest on one count of arson causing reckless damage of a building or bodily injury.
According to the affidavit cited by KENS-TV, the explosions occurred at different Wash Tub car wash locations across San Antonio and in nearby areas. The first one reportedly occurred July 20. Surveillance video showed a male walking into a unisex bathroom. Soon after that, another person entered and a small explosion took place. A woman involved in the first incident reportedly sustained injuries but did not stay at the car wash when police arrived.
On July 26, there were allegedly two more similar incidents involving a Wash Tub employee and a young girl. They were also injured, though the extent of their injuries was not immediately clear.
USA Today reports detectives found "pressure activated" fireworks, which are sold publicly, under the toilets. The fireworks were reportedly positioned so they would detonate when someone sat on the toilet.
Alden is allegedly a "regular customer" at the car wash and used a membership card. He was reportedly seen on camera walking in and out of the bathrooms, sitting in the lobby area, and leaving when the explosions occurred.
Wash Tub told KENS in a statement, "We are very pleased with the quick action of SAPD and the arson investigator working this case. We will continue to fully cooperate with SAPD and the District Attorney’s office."
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