84-year-old arrested for creating and selling explosives from Lake Charles home

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - An 84-year-old man was arrested for creating and selling explosives from his Lake Charles home, according to deputies.

On Oct. 2, detectives with the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force along with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched the home of John W. Sinkankas, 84, Lake Charles, in relation to an ongoing joint investigation.

Investigators say Sinkakas was manufacturing and selling explosive devices from his home, which is also 500 feet away from a school. Detectives initially learned the devices were manufactured to resemble fireworks, but after further investigation it was discovered, the devices contained an illegal amount of explosive materials.

During the search, detectives found several pounds of explosive powders, around 18 pounds of explosive precursors, numerous homemade explosives, and materials used to assemble them.

Sinkankas was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with manufacture & possession of delayed action incendiary device. He was released the following day on a $150,000 bond set by Judge Tony Fazzio. The investigation is continuing and more charges are possible.