Father, son arrested in Syosset, N.Y. after explosive materials found at their home, police say

A father and his teenage son from Syosset, New York, were arrested after police say they found chemicals combined to make explosives at their home. 

Nassau County Police responded to Patricia Lane for a wellness just after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, where officers said they discovered multiple acids, oxidizers and fuels, including nitroglycerin, inside a detached shed about four feet away from the home. 

The Long Island police department said an investigation revealed 48-year-old Francisco Sanles bought the chemicals on multiple occasions. Police were already investigating the 15-year-old boy for allegedly drawing a swastika in a bathroom at Syosset High School, officials said. 

The felony complaint stated Sanles, 48, took his son to various hardware stores to purchase the chemicals. According to the court records, the boy told his father he was using them to make rockets. 

Sanles faces a host of charges, including two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of criminal facilitation. He pleaded not guilty. An attorney said he vehemently denies the allegations and has been fully cooperative with police. The judge set bail at $100,000 cash or $200,000 bond. 

Sanles' son faces charges, including two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and aggravated harassment. Due to his age, he will be tried in family court. Prosecutors also sought a "refrain from" order of protection for the teen, who allegedly told police that at one point he spilled chemicals on his hand and had visible injuries.

The teen faced a judge in family court because he is a minor. 

"Powerful liquid explosive"

Video from the scene showed numerous bottles and containers filled with chemicals lined up on the driveway.

Officers said they found aluminum powder, which is used in rocket propellants and explosives, in addition to acids, oxidizers and fuels. 

"Also observed was nitroglycerin, which is a highly unstable, powerful liquid explosive," the report read.

Bomb squad conducts controlled detonation

Police evacuated the home and other residents nearby on Wednesday afternoon. The county's fire marshal, bomb squad and other emergency responders were on scene to remove the hazardous materials.

"Very surprising, disturbing that there were potential explosives. I'm glad police reacted and kept everyone safe," neighbor Jerry Wang said. "I know nitroglycerin is very volatile. It's very unstable. If you don't transport right it can explode — that's concerning."

The bomb squad had to do a controlled detonation in the backyard because the materials were too dangerous and powerful to transport, prosecutors said at Sanles' court hearing Thursday. 

Syosset School District speaks out

Superintendent Tom Rogers sent out messages Wednesday and Thursday. 

"Antisemitism and hate speech have no place in our communities or in our schools. Syosset has long been proud of being a welcoming, empathetic, and inclusive community and those values remain firm. We protect those values and this community by confronting and holding accountable those who traffic in any form of hate," part of the email read.

Rogers said the district is cooperating fully with law enforcement, and there is an increased police presence on campus. He also said the student will face serious consequences.