Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Man Arrested in Mokena Found With Molotov Cocktails

Federal and state teams are investigating the recovered incendiary devices to determine motive and possible targets.

Overview

  • Local officers stopped and arrested a 31-year-old Oak Lawn man in Mokena after finding him in the roadway and later discovered several Molotov cocktails inside his backpack.
  • Police said the man had a backpack and a blue blanket at the scene and initially gave a false name to officers during the arrest.
  • The FBI, the State Fire Marshal's Office and the ATF joined the local probe to handle explosive-forensics and arson-related work.
  • Prosecutors allege investigators found a hand-drawn map and evidence of threats toward the Orland Park Prayer Center, and local authorities notified area mosques as a precaution.
  • The suspect faces charges of unlawful use of a weapon and obstructing a peace officer, was the subject of a detention request by prosecutors, and has been placed on electronic monitoring while the ATF and federal partners continue their investigation.