Photos included in a search warrant used to allow entrance to a Timberlake Village apartment show one room filled with dozens of chemical containers, along with what was described as a chemical reaction device.
The search warrant for Brian N. Campbell's unit at Timberlake Village Apartments indicates that when officers entered the unit, Feb. 20, 2018, they saw what they described as torches, bottles of liquids such as ammonia, bleach, isopropyl alcohol as well as tubes an burners and ceramic heaters that were heating unknown liquids.
A National Guard science officer that examined the photographs said that possible improvised explosive device precursors were present including batteries, open ended pipes and an active unknown chemical reaction vessel.
The science officers also said there were burn marks evident on carpeting and walls, which could be an indication of experimentation. He also cited the presence of a fan directed toward the unknown chemical reaction vessel, explaining that it most likely was being used intentionally for chemical cooling to prevent a reaction.
Authorities evacuated Campbell's west side apartment building Tuesday, and Campbell was arrested. Police found additional chemicals in a garage used by Campbell.
Residents were allowed back in Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018.
The Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department were originally called to Timber Lake Trail following complaints about a "strong gas or smoke smell," according to the search warrant.
Subject matter experts from several federal agencies are collaborating to identify the chemicals and their potential use.
Madison Fire Chief Steve Davis said upon entering the apartment, they found numerous chemicals and called in additional resources.
"When we first got there, there was enough sophistication that it had all the potential to be something flammable or could be a bomb," Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said during a Tuesday evening news conference.
"There was a lot of stuff, disheveled, and a lot of chemicals," Koval said.
Koval said they are taking their time to investigate.
"There was such a mix of chemicals and flammable liquids that usually aren't seen together," Davis said.
Officials are receiving assistance from the FBI, state Department of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
For more go to WKOW: http://www.wkow.com/story/37594404/2018/02/26/documents-suspect-in-madison-chemical-arrest-likely-testing-explosives
Photo: WKOW