A Texas man is accused of placing a pressurized explosive device in a public restroom, injuring three people.
The first attack was reported on July 20 at the Washtub car wash in Helotes, about 30 minutes northwest of San Antonio.
Staff were reportedly able to identify Alden to police because he was a “regular customer” who used a membership card.
A small explosion allegedly occurred after the woman sat down on the toilet at the car wash.
Detectives said the woman was injured but left the scene before a police report was filed. KENS-TV reported.
“The female customer was reportedly very upset and left the scene before the incident was reported,” the affidavit states. “The Helotes Police Department was notified and rushed to the scene to document the incident.”
According to the outlet, investigators found “small, readily available, commercially available fireworks designed to explode when pressure is applied.”
Six days later, two more people were injured in a bomb placed in a bathroom at a San Antonio Washtub.
According to the affidavit, a female employee and a young girl were killed by the explosives within minutes of each other.
Investigators reportedly found small firework remnants in two bathrooms.
Citing the affidavit, Law and Crime Reporting A Wash Tub representative said that on both days, “loud noises were heard in the bathroom from guests using the bathroom/toilet.”
In all three incidents, security cameras showed the man entering and exiting the unisex restroom, sitting in the car wash lobby, watching the restroom door and then leaving after the explosions, according to the affidavit.
On Aug. 1, police arrested Paul Moses Alden, 46, of Helotes.
Alden was charged with arson causing reckless damage or injury. Police records.
His bail was set at $50,000 and he was released the same day he was arrested.
Alden is awaiting arraignment, according to court records. A date for his next court appearance has not yet been set.
Employees were reportedly able to identify Alden to police because he was a “regular customer” who used a membership card, and police had video footage of Alden and his vehicle and license plate number.
A Wash Tub spokesperson said, “We are extremely pleased with the swift response of the San Antonio Police Department and the arson investigators assigned to this case, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the San Antonio Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.”
Both the fire and police departments are still investigating the toilet explosion.
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