On Monday, November 2nd at 10:52 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports for the sound of what was described as an explosion in the area of Trading Post Trail and 59th Street in Afton. Responding deputies located what appeared to be the remnants of an explosive device. This report came in when there were already deputies investigating another explosive device in Lake Elmo just a short time earlier.

Two suspects were taken into custody the evening of November 3rd, identified as 29-year-old Nicholas Jeffery Thole and 40-year-old Thomas Slaikeu, and the investigation is currently ongoing. The investigation thus far does not suggest actions based on political ideology, polling sites or the current election.

A UPC was recovered from one of the explosion sites, which was used to trace the items used to make the device and ultimately lead them back to Thole as the one who made the purchase of the items. Initially, Thole denied any involvement in the incidents. He later admitted that he purchased the items and that he and his cousin built the devices in his cousins’ home. His cousin was identified as Slaikeu.

Police also linked Slaikeu’s girlfriends vehicle near the scene of the Lake Elmo incident.

Authorities are working to recover deleted data from electronic devices owned by Thole and Slaikeu.

The WCSO is currently investigating the incidents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Paul Police Department Bomb Squad.

Washington County Arrest records show Nicholas Jeffrey Thole, 29, as being arrested for Terroristic Threats – Cause or Attempt Cause Terror, charges pending the initial investigation. Thole was booked into Washington County at 3:58 p.m. on November 3rd.

Nicholas Jeffrey Thole, 29 Photo WashingtonCounty Jail