Illinois man arrested with homemade explosives after police encounter

Mokena police officers encountered a male individual who supplied a false name and was walking in the roadway with a blue blanket and backpack. Upon inspecting the backpack, officers discovered multiple bottles filled with gasoline and rag material, constituting Molotov cocktails. The investigation prompted involvement from the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI.

Local prosecutors filed charges of unlawful use of a weapon and obstruction of a peace officer against the suspect, Hamed M. Alsaidi. He remains in custody at the Will County Jail while the ATF continues its inquiry. The case also notes that Alsaidi was released on pre-trial GPS monitoring under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act.