Sept. 19 (UPI) — Authorities in Hawaii announced Thursday the arrest of a second man in connection to improvised explosive devices found planted around the resort island of Maui this summer.
Local and federal officials have been investigating at least three instances of homemade bombs found on the island, with the first IED discovered near an elementary school on July 23 and the last detonating on Aug. 8 near a highway, resulting in a car accident.
The bombs have been described as small, makeshift baskets, though their appearances vary. No deaths have been reported, but one person was transported to the hospital following the August explosion and later released.
The Maui Police Department said in a statement Thursday that they had apprehended Jess Lee, 43, of Kula, in connection to multiple IEDs discovered Aug. 7 near Kaamana Street in Kula.
Last month, authorities arrested 47-year-old Robert Francis Dumaran of Kahului for the bomb threat. He has been charged with possessing an unregistered destructive device and attempting to damage property by means of explosives.
Lee was arrested by officers of the Maui Police Department and agents of the FBI.
No other information about Lee’s specific connection to the bombs found on Aug. 7 was released to the public.
Chief John Pelletier of Maui police said the investigation, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, continues.
“This unified effort highlights our shared dedication to justice and maintaining the safety of our community,” he said.