BALTIMORE — A 23-year-old resident of Baltimore County is in custody following an explosion near a Home Depot parking lot over the weekend. Authorities have charged Brent Goetz in connection with the incident that transpired Sunday afternoon.
Police reported the explosion occurred around 2 p.m. in the 6300 block of Eastern Avenue, close to the rear of the Home Depot and a Wendy’s restaurant. Officers quickly determined that an unidentified man detonated a device in the area, prompting immediate concern, although there were no reported injuries.
Investigators recovered debris consistent with a TAG-67 Airsoft hand grenade, which is known to contain explosive materials and pyrotechnic components. Following the discovery of these remnants, police were able to identify Goetz as a suspect.
Witnesses at the scene provided critical testimonies. One individual from a group waiting along a fence line described seeing a light-colored sedan approach shortly before the explosion. The witness recalled a white male in the vehicle throwing an object toward the group, followed by a loud noise resembling an explosion. The car then sped away toward Eastern Avenue, and there was no verbal interaction prior to the event.
Using video surveillance, investigators were able to pinpoint the license plate number of the Toyota Camry involved. This led them to a home in the 3000 block of Ross Avenue, where the vehicle was parked. Officials then contacted the vehicle’s owner, who revealed that his son, Goetz, primarily used it.
The vehicle’s owner granted permission for police to access location data from a cell phone linked to Goetz, which ultimately confirmed he traveled to and from the Home Depot at the time of the explosion. This information precipitated search warrants for both the Camry and the residence.
During the search, law enforcement discovered a pull pin for an Airsoft grenade on the driver’s side floor mat and identified additional grenades in Goetz’s bedroom. When officers arrived to arrest him, Goetz allegedly acknowledged their presence, asserting, “I know why you are here,” and dismissed the grenades as mere Airsoft devices.
Goetz was transported to the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center, where he faces charges including possession of a destructive device and second-degree assault. The incident raises serious questions regarding safety in public spaces and the nature of such explosive devices, even when marketed for recreational use.
Further investigation continues as authorities work to assess any potential connections or motives behind the explosion, emphasizing their commitment to public safety in the Baltimore area.