Chino law enforcement apprehended an Arizona Navy veteran on suspicion of possessing materials to craft explosives, according to KTLA. The incident occurred at a Motel 6 on Central Avenue, where police discovered firearm components and potential bomb-making precursors in the suspect's vehicle. A 46-year-old named Jorge Moreno was promptly detained in his motel room, where an unregistered firearm was found.
Upon further investigation, the Chino Police Department detected additional chemicals and equipment inside Moreno's vehicle, consistent with brewing an improvised explosive device, and took several airsoft guns, a ballistic vest, and two gas masks into custody. The suspect's background includes specialized military training in ammunition and explosive ordnance, enhancing the gravity of his possession of such materials. Moreno, currently held at the West Valley Detention Center, now faces charges for intent to manufacture destructive devices, yet his motives remain undetermined, and the ongoing investigation beckons for public assistance with information.
The Chino Police Department’s Facebook page provides further testimony to the severity of the situation, declaring the recovery of narcotics, and materials including a written formula for smoke bombs from Moreno’s motel room subsequent the arresting officers' survey of Moreno's vehicle, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ontario Fire Department's Bomb Squad were solicited to ensure the secure containment of the situation.
Community cooperation has been deemed crucial, and Detective Reggie Barber holds the call for information regarding Moreno's case. Detective Barber can be contacted at (909) 334-3144.
