Authorities: Lindenhurst man made bombs to kill multiple people, himself
A Lindenhurst man charged with making bombs and explosives in his house wrote in his journal that he wanted to kill multiple people and himself, authorities said Monday.
Michael Suopys, 28, of the 800 block of Jefferson Drive, remains held on $1 million bail in Lake County jail after a court appearance Sunday, Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim said.
Suopys is charged with possessing bombs containing an explosive substance, officials said. He is due back in court June 16.
Nerheim said the Lindenhurst Police Department received an anonymous tip Suopys was making explosive devices in his house. Police contacted the FBI for assistance before making contact with Suopys and taking him into custody without incident.
Nerheim said Suopys, who possesses a degree in physics from UIC, told police he made two pipe bombs. However, police confiscated four pipe bombs during a search Sunday, Nerheim said.
Suopys told police he needed to make his own improvised grenades because he was unable to obtain a firearm, Nerheim said.
"He indicated he needed the grenades to protect himself from the government," Nerheim said. "The bombs were taken away by bomb technicians and rendered safe at an explosive range."
During the search of Suopys' house, authorities took possession of a journal the defendant had been keeping. Nerheim said journal entires by Suopys indicated he wanted to "kill multiple people and himself."
Police also recovered lab equipment, an empty steel pipe, a PVC pipe with a motor, and two metal pipes containing cotton-like material similar to Nitrocellulose, a highly-flammable substance, Nerheim said.
Suopys remains under investigation and additional charges are possible. He does not have any previous charges.