The FBI and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office had to evacuate an apartment building in the 3100 block of City Drive in Slidell today when "volatile materials" were found while executing a search warrant.
Authorities said all of the volatile materials were removed by Wednesday afternoon and there is no threat to the general public.
"The investigation was the result of information that had been provided by the St. Tammany Parish Narcotics Unit to the FBI," according to the New Orleans field office. "The duplex was evacuated and one subject is currently in custody and is cooperating with authorities."
Deputies arrested 38-year-old Patrick Kittel on a charge of manufacturing and possessing a bomb. The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be possible.
"I want to thank all of our federal, state and local partners for their outstanding teamwork and professionalism throughout this operation," Sheriff Bret Ibert said. "The close working relationships we have allow us to share information, coordinate resources and respond quickly when situations like this arise."
Because the residence is near Abney Elementary School, law enforcement notified the principal that the FBI and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office bomb technicians were on the scene.
Our partners at NOLA.com report the new school year at Abney does not start until tomorrow.
