Authorities Seize Stolen Vehicle and Explosive Devices; Teen Driver Arrested
Subject later released on his own recognizance
WARREN COUNTY, Va. – A January 1, 2025 call from an observant citizen resulted in the apprehension of a man who was in possession of a stolen vehicle and explosive devices.
According to a Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) media release, the Warren County Emergency Communications Center received a call at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The caller advised of a dark-colored Honda parked off-street, near Hillandale Road. The vehicle did not have visible license plates. The driver was wearing a ski mask and throwing objects from the car.
WCSO deputies quickly responded to the area but were unable to immediately locate the vehicle in question. A short time later, deputies noticed a vehicle matching the caller’s description. It was parked at the 7-Eleven store on John Marshall Highway.
Deputies approached the car. The driver, who was wearing a ski mask, attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. He was identified as Jordan Alexander Sweetman, of Arlington.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Sweetman, 19, did not own the vehicle and, in fact, lacked a valid driver's license. According to deputies, he also seemed to exhibit signs of a mental health issue.
The Honda had damage consistent with being stolen, no license plates, and contained tools consistent with burglary. As the vehicle was being towed to the WCSO for future evidence processing, deputies returned to Hillandale Road to search for items possibly discarded (as the original caller had reported).
Sweetman was transported by ambulance to Warren Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Upon medical clearance, he was charged with obstruction of justice, possession of burglarious tools, wearing a mask to conceal identity, and driving without a license. He was transported to RSW Regional Jail and held without bond.
On January 2, WCSO investigators obtained a search warrant for the Honda.
During the search, several items resembling homemade explosive devices were discovered.
Investigators immediately ceased processing and contacted the Warren County Fire Marshal's Office, Loudoun County Bomb Squad, and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division for assistance.
Bomb squad technicians safely removed several devices from the vehicle. To ensure public safety, technicians conducted a controlled detonation near Eastham Park, outside of Front Royal.
Canines trained to detect explosives were deployed to the Hillandale Road location for additional searches. Traffic in the area was delayed for nearly an hour.
After the car and area search, Sweetman was charged with an additional felony of manufacturing and possessing explosive materials or devices, and remained at RSW Jail without bond.
Additional items recovered from the scene are being analyzed at a forensic laboratory.
As of January 8, online court records show that Sweetman has been released on his own recognizance. He is due to appear in court on January 15.
This incident remains under active investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to contact WCSO Investigator Powell at 540-635-7100 or cpowell@warrencountysheriff.org.