A late-night call about a man obstructing a Mokena street became much more dangerous when authorities allegedly discovered multiple gasoline-filled bottles with fabric wicks in his backpack. The suspect, an Oak Lawn man, is now facing weapons and obstruction charges as federal officials investigate why he had the makeshift incendiary devices in his hands.
Mokena police stopped 31-year-old Hamed Alsaidi just before 3 a.m. Saturday near 191st Street and LaGrange Road, according to CBS Chicago. Police claimed he was going along the street with a blue blanket and backpack and gave officers a false identity when questioned. Officers arrested him for blocking the road and hindering police. They then examined his rucksack and discovered several bottles filled with gasoline and stuffed with rags.
The discovery prompted authorities to notify the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the FBI. The ATF investigation is ongoing, but authorities have not publicly stated a motive or whether any of the devices were lit.
The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Alsaidi with unauthorised use of a weapon and obstructing a law enforcement officer. Illinois’ firearms code specifically mentions containers containing explosive compounds for use in Molotov cocktails, whereas the state’s obstruction statute makes wilfully interfering with an officer’s permitted responsibilities a Class A misdemeanour.
According to CBS Chicago, Alsaidi has been ordered detained in the Will County Jail. The claims have not been tested in court, and the ongoing ATF investigation may yield further information or charges as authorities investigate the items discovered from the backpack.
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