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An Arkansas man was taken into custody last week after authorities discovered six homemade pipe bombs in his residence, as per reports from local news outlets. Lawrence Hickman, 52, was booked into jail on Thursday and is facing six counts of criminal possession of explosive materials or a destructive device.
According to the information obtained from jail records, officers from the Bella Vista Police Department responded to a call about harassment at Hickman’s home on December 9. Upon arrival, they were informed by Laurel Wooten, the caller, that she had found a bottle of chloroform in Hickman’s dresser. Subsequently, police discovered six live bombs at his residence.
Neighbors revealed to law enforcement that Hickman allegedly intended to use the pipe bombs for protection against sharks and pirates during a kayaking expedition from Alaska to the Philippines.
Reports from KFSM-TV also indicated that neighbors had accused Hickman of committing multiple rapes. The Bella Vista Police Department confirmed that Hickman is involved in active cases in Texas, but declined to disclose the charges.
At the time of the bomb discovery, Hickman was not at home and neighbors claimed he had fled to embark on his kayaking trip to the Philippines, where his wife resides. He was apprehended in Washington state on December 13, and authorities allegedly found an AR-style rifle and other ammunition in his possession.
The affidavit stated, “It appears Lawrence was indeed attempting to flee the country based on phone conversations I overheard. Based on witness statements, Lawrence was fleeing the country because of his upcoming trial in Texas.”
Local ABC affiliate KHBS reported that Hickman was brought back to Arkansas and is currently being held at the Benton County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. His arraignment is set for January 8.
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