Teen accused of making explosive device he planned to use on Halloween night
By Nehilah Grand-Pierre
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COLLIER COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — A 15-year-old boy was arrested Friday evening after Collier County deputies said they found materials to make an explosive device in his garage.
Collier County deputies arrested Enzo Vargas-Giraldo on Friday night at his home on Palmetto Ridge Drive after the bomb squad and FBI searched his home and found materials to make an explosive device in the garage.
Detectives learned he posted a video on social media earlier in the day of himself holding what appeared to be a homemade explosive.
In the video, CCSO said he could be heard saying he was going to use the device during trick-or-treating on Friday night and that a specific neighborhood “is not safe.”
According to the sheriff’s office, another teenager who saw the post quickly reported it to CCSO on Friday afternoon, and deputies were able to identify Vargas-Giraldo.
CCSO’s bomb squad searched the home and found the bomb-making materials in the garage. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents also responded to the scene.
Vargas-Giraldo is facing charges of manufacturing an explosive device with the intent to harm, possessing a destructive device and making electronic threats to do bodily injury.
“I’m a little concerned for my nephew here. He plays out here in the neighborhood. My brother-in-law lives across the street. He has five kids. I mean, I’ve lived in this neighborhood my whole life. We’ve never seen anything like that before,” said HOA President Phyllis Maffei.
The sheriff’s office said it’s working with the State Attorney’s Office to determine if any more charges will be filed.
“Collier County Public Schools commends both the teenager who did the right thing by reporting suspicious behavior and the swift action by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office,” Superintendent Doctor Leslie Ricciardelli said. “Though no threat was made to one of our schools, safety is not negotiable in our community. We stand united against any threat of violence and remain committed to doing our part to keep Collier safe. Any act or statement that compromises the safety and well-being of our students, staff, or members of the community will be taken seriously and met with immediate action.”
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