Louisiana man arrested for manufacturing homemade explosives

An 84-year-old Lake Charles man, John W. Sinkankas, has been arrested following a joint investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, and the ATF.

Authorities allege that Sinkankas was manufacturing and selling homemade explosive devices from his residence, which is located approximately 500 feet from a school. Investigators reported finding several pounds of explosive powders, roughly 18 pounds of explosive precursor materials, and multiple homemade devices. While the devices were allegedly designed to resemble fireworks, detectives determined they contained illegal amounts of explosive materials.