Russian teen arrested in Pa. with suspected weapon of mass destruction

By Todd Starnes

Published January 25, 2014

FoxNews.com

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  UNDATED: Vladislav Miftakhov, 19, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a weapon of mass destruction, authorities in Pennsylvania said. (Altoona Police Department)

A teenage Russian national was arrested late Friday on charges of possessing a weapon of mass destruction, police in Altoona, Pa. said.
Blair County Prison confirmed to Fox News that Vladislav Miftakhov, 19, is in custody.
He is charged with possessing a weapon of mass destruction, risking a catastrophe, possessing instruments of crime, prohibited offensive weapons, incendiary devices, recklessly endangering another person, and several drug-related charges.
Officers had been investigating an alleged marijuana growing operation when they discovered the alleged bomb, according to a statement posted on the police department's Facebook page.
They said the bomb was found inside a suitcase along with "assorted bomb making materials."
"The bomb was safely deconstructed by experts from the Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad," the statement read.
Miftakhov allegedly told investigators he bought the bomb-making materials online over the past few weeks.
Police did not release any details about a possible motive or possible targets. A desk sergeant told Fox News additional information could be released later today.
The Altoona Police Department said federal agencies had been notified and are assisting with the investigation.
Click here for more from the Altoona Mirror.
Todd Starnes is host of Fox News & Commentary, heard on hundreds of radio stations. Sign up for his American Dispatch newsletter, be sure to join his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter. His latest book is "God Less America”.