PROVO, Utah — A string of explosive device discoveries throughout the greater Salt Lake Valley over the past week has alarmed local authorities, prompting increased concern over public safety. Former police chief Chris Bertram emphasized the unusual nature of the incidents, particularly given that they occurred outside of the typical timeframe for such discoveries, such as the months leading up to the Fourth of July.
“In the timeframe that we’ve had in the last month, with the number of devices we’ve found, it is always concerning,” Bertram said. Investigations into the three separate incidents are ongoing, but the unusual timing has raised questions within the law enforcement community.
Bertram pointed out that law enforcement is especially vigilant during the anniversaries of tragedies like the Oklahoma City and Waco bombings, where the potential for similar threats could arise. However, these recent events do not appear to be tied to any major holiday, further amplifying the strangeness of the timing.
The first major arrest occurred on April 25 when 41-year-old Eric Whitaker was apprehended after brandishing a weapon at the Provo Mall. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered explosives, and investigators later discovered 71 explosive devices in his Orem apartment. The day also saw the arrest of 28-year-old Hunter Madsen, who was taken into custody after his mother found pipe bombs at the house he was renting.
Just days later, on April 30, another incident unfolded in Logan, where a pipe bomb was discovered during a separate drug investigation. In that case, 27-year-old Taylor Jacobson reportedly told officers that he had found instructions online detailing how to create such devices.
As authorities continue to investigate the cases, Bertram assured the public that the top priority for law enforcement is to ensure there are no other individuals involved. Despite these efforts, the community remains shaken by the close call.
“You don’t know the people around you at all. Bombs under us,” said Yilin Cai, who lives in the same building as Whitaker’s apartment.
Scott Crandal, a local resident who worked at the Provo Mall on the day of Whitaker’s arrest, recalled the unsettling nature of the discovery. “I worked at the Provo Mall that day, and so I actually drove past his car getting searched outside there,” Crandal said. “I read that there were 71 bombs like two floors below us, and I didn’t like that at all.”
While law enforcement was able to intercept these devices before any harm was done, Bertram acknowledged that many of these discoveries are made by accident or pure luck. Often, it’s a suspect’s mistake or a stroke of good fortune that helps authorities uncover dangerous situations.
“You know, a lot of times it is by accident or by not paying attention, and some pure luck on law enforcement coming across these in the past. I can tell you many a times it was maybe some intelligence that came out,” Bertram said.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, but grateful for the vigilance of local authorities who acted quickly to prevent further harm.