Authorities in White Plains, New York, arrested a 65-year-old man after discovering more than two dozen pipe bombs inside his apartment during an investigation into a suspicious explosive device that triggered early morning emergency responses in the neighborhood.

Raymond Elders was taken into custody following the discovery of 25 fully assembled pipe bombs and additional materials used to manufacture explosives at his apartment on Odell Avenue.

The arrest came after police responded to reports of a loud explosion around 4:30 a.m. Monday in a residential area described by neighbors as typically quiet.

Officers initially responded to what was believed to be a possible transformer explosion after residents reported hearing a powerful boom.

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According to authorities, similar loud blasts had been reported multiple times in recent weeks, raising concerns among those living nearby.

The investigation intensified when a police officer observed a suspicious explosive device near the doorway of Elders’ apartment.

Authorities secured the area and issued a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding neighborhood while bomb technicians worked to render the device safe.

Federal authorities said Elders was detained with visible black and blue residue on his hands and was holding a lighter at the time of his arrest.

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Surveillance footage from March 18, obtained during the investigation, allegedly shows Elders standing in the middle of a street, lighting a device and throwing it before an explosion occurs.

The footage also shows him quickly leaving the area and adjusting his hooded sweatshirt after the blast.

Law enforcement officials have not confirmed an official motive for the alleged actions, though investigators indicated the cache of explosives may be connected to a dispute involving a neighbor.

Elders appeared in federal court in White Plains following his arrest, where prosecutors outlined the severity of the charges.

He is facing multiple counts, including use of a weapon of mass destruction. During the hearing, prosecutors described the situation as “the height of recklessness,” warning that the presence of the explosive devices posed a significant risk to both the suspect and the surrounding community.

Elders’ defense attorney told the court that his client has struggled with addiction issues.

A judge ordered that Elders remain in federal custody without bail.

Residents in the area reported hearing repeated explosions in recent weeks prior to the arrest.

Yulissa Severino, who lives nearby, said the blasts had caused growing concern in the neighborhood.

“Those other times I thought someone was going to blow up the block, it was so loud, like they were experimenting,” Severino said.

“There’s a war going on, so you think about that.”

Authorities also confirmed that a second individual who was initially taken into custody in connection with the investigation is now being treated as a witness.

White Plains Commissioner of Public Safety Wade Hardy said officials have secured the area and removed any remaining threats.

In a public statement, Hardy said, “We want to assure the residents of White Plains that their safety remains our highest priority. We can confirm that there are no explosive materials currently present in the first-floor apartment at 11 Odell Avenue, and that the immediate neighborhood is safe.”

Hardy added, “The subject of interest, who was taken into custody by the White Plains Police Department, is a White Plains resident—a white male in his 60s. This morning, he has been turned over to the FBI.”

The investigation remains ongoing as federal authorities continue to review evidence tied to the case and determine whether additional charges may be filed.

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