Crime & Safety

Stamford Police Arrest Alleged Bomb Maker

Police arrested a Vine Rd. man who allegedly had hate propaganda and bomb-making materials in his home

Stamford Police announced Monday morning they arrested a Stamford man who  allegedly had in the basement of his Vine Rd. home. 

"The arrest warrant that was issued last night was all stemming from an investigation from back on [Jan. 30]," said Sgt. Lou DeRubeis, Bomb Squad Commander. "

Earlier identified as Donald Saturno, 47, of 172 Vine Rd., police were assisting housing and health officials on a property check when it was allegedly discovered the suspect had .

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"Based on that [investigation]...and some of the information we had up to that point, an arrest warrant was issued," DeRubeis said. "Last night, in Ridgefield, their patrol division spotted the vehicle in their town and they executed a motor vehicle stop, at which point he was taken into custody and transported back to Stamford."

DeRubeis said the warrant had been issued for some time prior to being able to locate Saturno and take him into custody. DeRubeis did state a tenant was still occupying the second floor of the residence, present as police checked in at the Vine Rd. home during their efforts to locate Saturno. He also stated that he was unable to identify exactly what materials found led to the charges.

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"It is still an active investigation and that's why this particular warrant dealt with one aspect of this case," he said. "We still have some forensics out and we're not sure where that's going to lead, so I'd rather not comment. We had enough to get an arrest warrant for manufacturing bombs."

Specific items allegedly discovered at the home from when the story initially broke include PVC piping filled with nuts and bolts. Various chemicals were also allegedly found, but those are items included in the evidence out for identification and forensic testing.

DeRubeis said the level of the FBI's involvement, currently, was minimal and he was unsure what justice they might attempt to pursue as the investigation developed.

"The FBI had come down initially and assisted in the initial interview," he said. "As far as what their plans are, I'm not sure. Right now we're currently just dealing with the state charges. I'm not sure what their intent may be moving forward."

Stamford Police officially charged Saturno early Monday with illegal bomb manufacturing. He was issued a $250,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court Monday.

 

MORE COVERAGE

  • No Extra Precautions Needed at Middle School Near Bomb Discovery
  • Stamford Resident: Bomb Discovery at Vine Road Home is 'Unsettling'
  • Stamford Officials ID City Man with Bomb-Making Materials


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