Father, son arrested in Syosset after explosive materials found at their home on Long Island

A father and son were arrested after police say they found chemicals combined to make explosives at their home in Syosset.

The 15-year-old son allegedly drew a swastika in a Syosset High School bathroom, prompting an investigation by Nassau County officers. Police responded to his home just after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on Patricia Lane, where they found the chemicals. 

Police said further investigation revealed the teen's father, Francisco Sanles, paid for the chemicals on multiple occasions. The felony complaint stated the 48-year-old took his son to various hardware stores to purchase them. The son told his dad he was using them to make rockets, according to the court records.

Sanles is facing a host of charges, including two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of criminal facilitation. He pleaded not guilty. 

The teen is also facing numerous 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. 

"Powerful liquid explosive"

Officers said there were multiple acids, oxidizers and fuels inside a detached shed about four feet away from the home. 

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

Other chemicals included aluminum powder, which is used in rocket propellants and explosives. Video from the scene showed numerous bottles and containers filled with chemicals lined up on the driveway.

Prosecutors also sought an order of protection for the teen, who allegedly told police that at one point he had spilled chemicals on his hand and was injured.

Neighborhood evacuated as bomb squad investigates

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.

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.