BELLA VISTA, Ark. — A resident of Arkansas was taken into custody after authorities discovered six improvised explosive devices at his residence.
Lawrence Hickman, 52, was apprehended last week on six charges related to the unlawful possession of explosive materials or destructive devices. According to jail records, he is currently held at Benton County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Although available court records did not specify whether Lawrence has legal representation, he did not have an attorney present during his initial court appearance last week.
Law enforcement officers discovered the pipe bombs during an investigation into a harassment complaint filed by a woman at Hickman’s Bella Vista residence, as outlined in the court records.
In a statement provided in court documents, an investigator noted that the pipe bombs were examined via X-ray and confirmed to be functional.
Records from the court proceedings revealed that a neighbor informed investigators that Hickman expressed a desire to kayak to the Philippines, where he claimed his new wife resided. Hickman allegedly intended to commence this journey by kayaking through the Bering Sea. According to the neighbor, Hickman asserted that the pipe bombs were intended for self-defense against sharks and pirates, and he also mentioned bringing liquor for Russians.
Lawrence was apprehended at a pier in the state of Washington, where authorities discovered two inflatable kayaks, according to court records. The investigator stated in an affidavit that there is suspicion Hickman was attempting to flee the country to avoid an impending trial in Texas. However, the nature of the trial in Texas was not disclosed
