Lofton had explosives inside his residence
Lofton
An Atmore man, supposedly suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, was arrested Tuesday and charged with making a terrorist threat and possession and distribution of a destructive device after officers found homemade bombs at his house.
Trenton Lofton, 34, was arrested Tuesday and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center. He was scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday afternoon.
According to Atmore police, on Oct. 14 officers responded to the 200 block of Pleasant Hill Circle in reference to a citizen requesting to speak with officers. The officers made contact with Lofton, who police said was extremely upset about some personal issues and the officers were able to dispel his concerns.
Police said Lofton made a few statements that were concerning and police conducted a followup investigation.
The following day, Oct. 15, officers discovered that Lofton had possibly constructed two homemade explosive devices and learned that Lofton had prior military service and worked as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. Police also learned that Lofton has been undergoing treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Atmore police obtained a search warrant for Lofton's residence and also contacted the Mobile Police Department's bomb squad, the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's SWAT team, which includes crisis negotiators.
Police stated while waiting for additional resources they learned Lofton was at Walmart. Atmore investigators conducted a traffic stop as Lofton was about to leave Walmart and he was taken into custody without incident.
Atmore police secured the area around the entrance to Walmart and stopped traffic in both directions on Highway 21 for several minutes in order for an ATF bomb technician to check Lofton's vehicle for explosive devices. Police reported the vehicle was clear and the highway was reopened to traffic.
Atmore investigators spoked with Lofton and were concerned for his wellbeing and concerned with some statements he made and the investigation then focused on Lofton's residence.
The Mobile Police Department's bomb squad and an ATF bomb technician searched the property and found two explosive devices which were rendered safe.
Lofton was placed under arrest and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.
