The Gainesville Police Department, assisted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Team and agents of ATF located andsafely collected an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Gainesville Tuesday afternoon.
GPD officers were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter at 1800 NE 12th Avenue around 11:30am Tuesday in response to two individuals that had been detained by Walmart store personnel.
The suspects were caught stealing BBs, flare guns and other items that could be used in the
manufacture of an explosive device.
GPD detectives began interviewing Mason Scott Beuning, 18 of Gainesville and determined that Beuning had already manufactured an explosive device. Beuning told investigators that the
device was located at his residence, 3119NW 4th St in Gainesville. GPD investigators, ATF agents and members of the ASO Bomb Disposal Team responded to Beuning’s home and located a cardboard tube containing black powder. The tube was sealed at both ends and contained a fuse.
ASO Bomb Disposal Team members examined the device and confirmed the presence of an explosive powder. Bomb Disposal Team members then safely collected the device for further analysis. Beuning will be charged with one count of “Possessing a Destructive Device”
which is a third-degree Felony.
Beuning told the investigators thathe constructed the device as a “homemade firework”
and that he had been scared to detonate it.
The other person with Beuning was 18 year old Wolfe O’Meara, also of Gainesville. O’Meara has only been charged with misdemeanor shoplifting and possession of Drug Paraphernalia at this time.
GPD Chief Tony Jones praised the work of all the persons involved in the case, including Walmart staff, GPD personnel, ATF agents and the ASO Bomb Disposal Team.
“In the wake of recent national tragedies, the Gainesville Police Department is taking no chance
when it comes to explosives” Jones said.
“The professional handling of this investigation by all involved partieskept Gainesville safe today.”
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