Welcome to Arrest Stories. A thirty-six-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly placing homemade explosive devices outside a Maryland fire station three separate times, with authorities warning the devices were becoming increasingly dangerous. Here's what may have happened.
Slater Chaia found himself behind bars without bond after Capitol Heights police arrested him on August thirtieth for a disturbing pattern of behavior targeting Fire Station eight zero five. According to official reports, Chaia had been placing incendiary devices at the firehouse over several months, with his actions escalating from harmless to potentially deadly.
The investigation began when on-duty firefighters spotted a man matching Chaia's description across the street from their station. Security footage captured the suspect's methodical approach as he carried what appeared to be plastic bottles resembling water containers. The video shows him walking to a flagpole, placing down two bottles, picking one up, walking away, then returning to retrieve the device he had left behind.
Authorities reveal this was the third such incident in recent months. Previous attacks included placing one device directly in the station's mailbox and another on the driveway. Officials noted a troubling progression in the suspect's behavior.
"The first two were inert, but the third potentially could have exploded," stated one official. "The device is similar to a Molotov cocktail that could have been ignited."
Chaia was easily identifiable due to his distinctive Members Only jacket adorned with Tom and Jerry cartoon characters. When patrol units located him near Station eight zero five, he was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators believe the Capitol Heights station was being specifically targeted to intimidate personnel. "God forbid one of our young people get ahold of one of these devices and become harmed," officials warned about the escalating danger.
The Prince George's County fire department's bomb squad responded, safely rendering the devices harmless and recovering them as evidence. Chaia faces charges including possession of a destructive device and reckless endangerment, with potential sentences up to twenty-five years.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.