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Man accused in plot to blow up Edmond utilities charged with arson

Charles J. Columbus, 24, is wanted by police after chemicals used to make explosives were found in his home. A roommate told police he saw the defendant mix the chemicals and pour them on a lock to city water well hatch.

By Tim Willert | Published: November 6, 2012

Charles Jayden Columbus

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Investigators serving a narcotics search warrant last month at a mobile home in the 600 block of Vista Lane found a “large amount” of possible chemicals, including bags marked potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, aluminum powder, red iron oxide, and calcium carbonate limestone, police reported. The chemicals can be “used as components of explosives and other incendiary mixtures” and are “very dangerous if not handled properly,” a bomb technician wrote in the affidavit.

Laduke, when questioned by police, said Columbus ordered the chemicals online and talked about using them to “blow up phone poles and power boxes” around Hafer Park, the affidavit states.

The roommate said Columbus had made anti-government statements and wanted to use the explosives to cause damage to utilities, police reported.

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