A 24-year-old Winthrop Harbor man wanted by police for allegedly storing in his parents’ basement large amounts of materials that can be used to make explosives remained at large on Monday, authorities said.
An arrest warrant was issued Friday for Jeffrey Thompson of the 400 block of Russell Avenue after investigators on Wednesday discovered chemicals and agents in the Thompson home that can be used in manufacturing explosives, said Detective Tim Borowski of the Winthrop Harbor Police.
The chemicals included nitrate compounds, phosphorous, sodium metal and sulfuric acid, authorities said. Such substances can be purchased legally but can be combined into explosive mixtures, according to Cmdr. Ken Rewers of the Cook County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, which is assisting Winthrop Harbor police in the investigation.
Before fleeing, Thompson told investigators he kept the chemicals because he owns a pyrotechnic and special-effects business. But police have found no evidence of such a business, Borowski said.
Police also found in the home a copy of a book that includes chapters on how to make homemade weapons and bombs, Borowski said.
In 1995 and 1996, neighbors complained to police about hearing explosions coming from the home, Borowski said. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms visited the Thompson home in 1996 and recovered an explosive device, he added.
Thompson was charged in the warrant with six felony counts of possession of explosive compounds and two misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct in connection with repeatedly firing his .45- and .22-caliber weapons into the basement walls, officials said.
Police also would like to question Thompson about a Feb. 22 fire in the 600 block of Whitney Avenue in Winthrop Harbor, Borowski said.
Just two days before the blaze, Borowski said, Thompson, who had been staying at the residence, had a falling out with the owners and left.
The home’s owners told police that Thompson returned, then left shortly before phone wires to the home were cut and the blaze started.
Borowski said state fire marshals plan to bring explosives-sniffing dogs to the site this week to determine whether the fire was arson.
