Enough Explosives To Level A Block Found In Philly Home, Arrest Made

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities have arrested and charged a man after they said he made explosives in his Philadelphia home after finding what they said was enough explosive material to take out a whole block of homes.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Wednesday said Evgenii Sadrislamov, 28, of Philadelphia, was charged with arson, weapons of mass destruction, causing catastrophe, possession of an instrument of crime, and related offenses.

The charges stem from a fir that broke out the evening of Friday, Oct. 4 in a row home on the 7100 block of Montague Street in the city's Mayfair section.

First responders noted smoke coming from Sadrislamov's garage and the interior of the house. Sadrislamov and his mother were brought outside.

Neighbors in the area were told to evacuate as a precaution while a search of the house was conducted.

During the search, authorities found materials that were being used to build incendiary devices, the DA's office said.

The property was declared a HAZMAT scene, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Department of Homeland Security showed up to help with the investigation.

After getting a search warrant, investigators found several improvised explosive devices, as well as explosive powders from a bomb-making laboratory in the home's basement and garage, authorities said.

About 50 pounds of explosives were removed from Sadrislamov's residence, according to the DA's office. Investigators believe that if this material had ignited, it would have leveled the entire block of homes.

Sadrislamov is in custody on about $1 million bail as the investigation continues.

His preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for Oct. 22.