Hawaii Man Charged with Leaving Improvised Bombs Near Schools and Highways
August 15, 2024
HAWAII: A disturbing case has unfolded in Hawaii, where a 47-year-old man has been charged with creating and leaving improvised explosive devices near elementary schools and highways. Robert Francis Dumaran, of Maui, faces federal charges for his alleged actions, which authorities say were motivated by a desire to "make himself feel better".
The investigation into Dumaran's activities began on July 23, when a homemade bomb was discovered near Kahului Elementary School. The device, which consisted of explosive powder, batteries, and shrapnel, was held together with packing tape and resembled a small basket. Fortunately, it did not detonate, and no one was injured.
However, over the next few weeks, similar devices were found in other locations on the island. On August 7, two devices were discovered in Kula, attached to a guardrail along a busy road. One of the devices had been detonated, causing damage to the guardrail. The following day, another device was found near a trash can on Old Haleakala Highway. This one also exploded, striking a passing vehicle and causing damage, but fortunately, no one was hurt.
The discovery of these devices sparked a massive investigation involving local and federal authorities. The FBI was called in to assist, and agents worked tirelessly to gather evidence and identify the person responsible.
A breakthrough came when fingerprints on the packing tape used to build one of the bombs were matched to Dumaran. His fingerprints were already on file, as a result of a search warrant executed at his home two years ago. During that search, police had found fireworks, ammunition, and other materials that could be used to make homemade bombs.
Further investigation revealed that Dumaran's cellphone had been in the vicinity of the locations where the devices were found. Text messages retrieved from his phone allegedly showed him telling someone that he needed to "set off sum explosions" to "make me feel better".
Dumaran was arrested and charged with possessing an unregistered destructive device and attempting to damage property by means of explosives. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the first charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to 20 years for the second charge.
The motives behind Dumaran's actions are still unclear, but authorities say that his desire to "make himself feel better" suggests a disturbing level of disregard for the safety and well-being of others. The fact that he targeted areas near schools and highways, where people are most likely to be present, makes his actions even more reprehensible.
Dumaran is currently being held at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu and is set to appear in court on August 27. His case will undoubtedly be closely watched, as the community seeks justice for his alleged actions.
