Arkansas Man Who Planned to Kayak to Philippines Arrested in Washington After Police Discover 6 Live Bombs

An Arkansas man was arrested last week after police found six homemade pipe bombs in his home, according to local news reports. 

Jail records say 52-year-old Lawrence Hickman was arrested on Thursday on six counts of criminal possession of explosive materials or a destructive device. 

Local CBS affiliate KFSM-TV reported that officers with the Bella Vista Police Department responded to his home on December 9 in response to a call about harassment. When they arrived, police heard from Laurel Wooten, the woman who called police, saying she found a bottle of chloroform in Hickman’s dresser, KFSM-TV reported, citing an arrest affidavit. 

Police then found six live bombs at his residence, KFSM-TV reported.

Neighbors told police Hickman allegedly wanted to use the pipe bombs to ward off sharks and pirates on a kayaking trip from Alaska to the Philippines.

KFSM-TV reported that neighbors alleged that Hickman had raped multiple people. The Bella Vista Police Department confirmed to the outlet that Hickman has active cases in Texas, but did not explain the charges.

Hickman was not at home during the discovery of the alleged bombs, and neighbors said he fled to go on his kayaking trip to the Philippines, where his wife is. 

He was arrested in Washington state on December 13, with police claiming they found an AR-style rifle and other ammunition with him. 

“It appears Lawrence was indeed attempting to flee the country based on phone conversations I overheard,” the affidavit reportedly said, per KFSM-TV. “Based on witness statements, Lawrence was fleeing the country because of his upcoming trial in Texas.”

Local ABC affiliate KHBS reported that Hickman was extradited back to Arkansas, where he’s being held at the Benton County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. 

Hickman’s arraignment is scheduled for January 8.