San Antonio Man Charged with Arson for Placing Explosive Devices in Restrooms

A series of startling incidents in San Antonio involving explosive devices planted in public restrooms has led to the arrest of 46-year-old Paul Moses Alden. According to MySanAntonio.com, Alden is alleged to have placed fireworks under toilet seats in multiple locations, causing loud detonations and, in at least one case, a minor burn injury to a woman's thigh.

Alden, who was arrested on August 2, faces charges of arson, brought about by atypical methods—it involved setting up makeshift booby traps using thrown poppers, a kind of firework that reacts violently to pressure. The arrest warrant details that these incidents occurred between July 19 and July 26, at Wash Tub car wash facilities, with the accused visiting various branches across the city. As per the USA Today report, Alden was a "regular customer" of the car washes he targeted.

The San Antonio Police Department spokesperson confirmed to USA Today that the fireworks were "pressure activated," positioned to explode when a person sat on the booby-trapped seat. The effects led to several reports of minor injuries. Notably, following an August 1 arrest, Alden was released on a $50,000 bond, pending indictment.

Visual evidence from security footage played a crucial role in identifying Alden. In an affidavit cited by KENS 5, the accused was seen entering the unisex restrooms right before the small explosions occurred. A statement obtained by KENS 5 from a Wash Tub spokesperson expressed relief at SAPD's swift response and affirmed the company's cooperation with ongoing investigations.