'Sinister' Plans in Motion for Man with Bombs in His Bedroom: Prosecutor

LINDENHURST, IL - A 28-year-old Lindenhurst man is behind bars after federal and local authorities found bombs in his bedroom last week.

Michael Suopys, of the 800 block of Jefferson Drive in Lindenhurst, was arrested on Friday after a search of his home turned up two suspected pipe bombs; lab apparatus; one steel pipe, which was empty; and two metal pipes, which contained cotton-like material consistent with Nitrocellulose, according to a Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office press release. His bail was set at $1 million on Sunday.

The Lindenhurst Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the 800 block of Jefferson Drive on Thursday to follow up on a tip. The tipster indicated Suopys could be conducting online purchases to construct a weapon, according to the news release. The FBI and Lindenhurst Police Department conducted a joint investigation and as a result of that investigation, they obtained a search warrant.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Suopys with possessing bombs containing an explosive substance, a class 3 felony.

"We will never know for certain what potential tragedy was averted, but the evidence that has been recovered certainly indicates that this individual was planning something sinister. While the facts of this case are certainly disturbing, this is an excellent example of how effective law enforcement can be when we communicate and work together," said Lake County State’s Attorney Michael G. Nerheim.

Suopys remained in custody Sunday. He is next expected in court on June 16.

An investigation is ongoing.