Man arrested after allegedly setting off homemade bombs in Thurmont
Man arrested after allegedly setting off homemade bombs in MD
John Michael Cintron Jr., 34, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly detonating homemade dry ice bombs in Thurmont, Maryland. Authorities say one device exploded on Locust Street; a search of Cintron’s home turned up materials linked to the explosives.
THURMONT, Md. - A man was arrested after reportedly setting off homemade explosives in Thurmont, Maryland.
What we know:
John Michael Cintron Jr., 34, was arrested and charged on Monday, June 2, with three felony counts of manufacturing, possessing or distributing a destructive device and five misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment.
Cintron was reportedly caught on camera reaching into a bag and removing an object – believed to be a bomb made of dry ice inside a sealed container – which later exploded on Locust Street in Thurmont.
They're called ice bombs – when you put dry ice in a sealed container with water… it fogs up, then eventually explodes.
Police say Cintron set off at least two homemade devices while walking down Locust Drive here in Thurmont last Tuesday, May 27.
Investigators say he also detonated one near a small playground next to his home — frightening five children who were there at the time.
Thurmont Police and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office searched Cintron's home, finding "items related to the explosive devices" – including firecrackers, black powder, metal, and wires.
What they're saying:
"I had no idea. I wish that Thurmont Main Street would've told us — just because he's so close. And I had no idea. That takes it from harm to great harm when you involve children," said one neighbor, Jayda Garcia. "It’s just mind-blowing that he was so close and we had no idea."
"It's not something I would've expected. A bomber setting off bombs in this small community — I don't understand people today," said Frederick County resident Steve Heims. "People have a lot of anger issues. They need therapy. They should go talk it out — not blow things up. But that’s just my opinion."
The backstory:
Cintron was convicted in Florida in 2019 of threatening to throw, place or discharge a destructive device, according to online court records. He served over a year in jail.
He was ordered to serve six years in prison, but received credit for 476 days already served. His nine years of probation were terminated early in December 2023.
Cintron also has a prior arrest for domestic violence.
What's next:
Cintron is being held without bond at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. A preliminary hearing has been set for July 2.