Reaction to Bomb Making Suspect's Arrest - WSET.com - ABC13

Roanoke, VA – Wednesday night, David Draper, who lives on Bonhill Drive in Northwest Roanoke, spoke about the bomb squad working across the street from his house using a robot to pull a suspected explosive out of a house and detonate it safely.

Hours earlier, Roanoke County Police arrested Derick Gregory Wilson, 23, at the Roanoke Gold's Gym. He is now charged by Virginia State Police with one count of possession of bomb making materials.

Blacksburg Police also obtained a warrant against Wilson saying he was the one that used a bomb to severely damage an SUV just off Virginia Tech's campus.

Up early, preparing a meal in observance of Ramadan, Mohammed Hassan heard a blast that has left him shaken. Outside, just feet from his home where he lives with his wife and two children, are the scars of that blast which severely damaged an SUV that was parked there.

"We play in this garden. There's two bikes for my kids. I'm surprised now... it's very dangerous for them," said Hassan.

Investigators aren't saying much except that they have Wilson in custody without bond and charged with the blast.

Later that evening, information from the Harrell Street bombing led investigators to the home on Bonhill Drive in Roanoke. It's here, neighbors say, Wilson has been living with his grandfather since his discharge from the Army after a combat tour in Iraq.

Alleged bomb making materials found here led to another charge.

Sherry Duncan has known the family for years and has nothing but good things to say about them. The whole incident has shocked her.

"I just couldn't believe it. 'Cause he's good, he's went to (the) service and he's come back, and he's talked about going back to the service again. I mean, they were good. I can't believe something like this has happened here," she said.

Still no motive is being released as investigators piece it all together.

Right now, this investigation involves all levels of law enforcement, across a number of jurisdictions, all the way up to the federal level and more charges are pending.

Wilson, who was arraigned in Roanoke Thursday morning, will have a preliminary hearing on August 30.