Vos Iz NeiasSwastika Graffiti at Syosset HS Triggers Explosives Discovery, Father-Son Arrests
SYOSSET, N.Y. (VINnews) – A Syosset father and his 15-year-old son were arrested after a bias crime investigation at Syosset High School led police to discover chemicals combined to create explosive materials inside their home, authorities said.
Nassau County police responded to the home on Patricia Lane shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday following the discovery of a swastika drawn in a boys’ bathroom at the high school, officials said. The 15-year-old boy is accused of drawing the symbol.
Officers evacuated the residence and nearby homes as the Nassau County Fire Marshal, Arson/Bomb Squad, Hazardous Materials Response Team and Emergency Service Unit responded. Video from the scene showed numerous bottles and containers of chemicals lined up on the driveway.A source told News 12 that police conducted a controlled ignition of one volatile chemical out of an abundance of caution. No injuries were reported.
Investigators determined that the boy’s father, Francisco Sanles, 48, had purchased the chemicals on multiple occasions, police said.
Sanles faces charges including two counts of first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of fourth-degree criminal facilitation, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment. He was expected to be arraigned Thursday in Hempstead.
The teenager faces charges including two counts of first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree criminal mischief, first-degree aggravated harassment and making graffiti. He was to be arraigned in Nassau County Family Court in Mineola.
The investigation remains ongoing.