7 suspected homemade explosive devices found at Cape Coral campsite, 21-year-old arrested

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)— A search for a wanted person in Cape Coral led deputies to a different discovery: several suspected homemade explosive devices hidden at a wooded campsite, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office Bomb Squad was called and secured the scene near NE 24th Avenue and Diplomat Parkway East while detectives launched an investigation.

Investigators later recovered seven suspected explosive devices through a search warrant. The devices included modified fireworks and a metal pipe device containing energetic powder, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators said several of the devices had been altered with paper clips, pellets and BBs designed to act as fragmentation projectiles upon detonation.

During the investigation, 21-year-old Joshua Mark Antley admitted to constructing the devices and adding the projectiles, according to the sheriff’s office. Antley told investigators the devices were intended to scare away animals.

"There is no place for this kind of dangerous behavior in Lee County. I want to recognize the rapid and coordinated response of our Road Patrol deputies, Bomb Squad personnel and 1st Precinct Crime Section detectives. Their quick action and teamwork ensured these devices were safely recovered before anyone was injured. Let this be clear: if you choose to put our community at risk, you will be identified, you will be arrested and you will be held fully accountable," said Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Antley was arrested and charged with making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing or discharging a destructive device, according to the sheriff’s office. He was taken to the Lee County Jail.