A suspect was arrested last week on suspicion of bringing explosives to a shopping plaza in North Carolina.
Cameron Lee Smith, of Washington, North Carolina, was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction and possession of methamphetamine, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
The 40-year-old man was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed firearm.
The incident occurred at a Food Lion in Washington on Wednesday around 6:45 p.m.
The sheriff's office said in a press release that one of its investigators noticed Smith slumped inside his vehicle.
“While investigating the occupants, investigators observed drug paraphernalia in full view,” the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. “Upon making contact with the subject, investigators located a weapon, crystal methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.”
“While conducting a subsequent probable cause investigation of the vehicle, officers discovered possible explosives inside the vehicle,” the statement added.
Authorities immediately secured the area around the vehicle and requested assistance from the local emergency services department.
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
Stores in the shopping center were also closed after receiving a report from the police.
Local media outlet WITN reported that investigators searched Smith's home and found a military-style grenade and another grenade used in either World War I or World War II.
U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point also “processed” the scene in the parking lot, the sheriff's office said.
Smith was transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
