Orem man faces 71 counts of weapon possession after bomb discovery

Eric Whitaker, 41, was arrested in Utah after allegedly brandishing a weapon near the Provo Towne Centre Mall, which led police to discover four explosive devices in his vehicle. Subsequent searches of his Orem apartment uncovered 71 homemade explosive devices and substantial bomb-making materials. The Metro Bomb Squad safely removed the devices, prompting an evacuation of the apartment building due to the potential danger. Authorities described the explosives as improvised anti-personnel fragmentation grenades containing shrapnel and explosive powders, capable of causing death or serious injury. Whitaker now faces 71 counts of possession of weapons of mass destruction, along with additional charges related to the incendiary devices and bomb-making materials. The case has been referred to the Utah County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.