Idaho man attempts to detonate explosive device

PULLMAN - Pullman Police Officers showed up at the 400 block of Morton Street for a disorderly person on Sunday, May 7, at approximately 4:12 p.m., learning Apollo Lawyer, 31, of Lapwai, Idaho., unsuccessfully tried to start an acquaintance's apartment on fire and threatened residents.

Lawyer reportedly had what appeared to be an explosive device and unsuccessfully tried to light the explosive.

Lawyer was booked into the Whitman County Jail Monday, May 8, at 2:59 a.m. on a $100,000 bond or $10,000 cash bail through Whitman County Superior Court.

Upon completion of investigations, the crime scene was returned to the family, stated Pullman Sergeant Aaron Breshears.

"There are additional charges that have been added," Breshears said.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Lawyer received six charges, including burglary, arson, assault, malicious placement of an explosive, unlawful firearm possession, and felony harassment.

The affidavit reports that Lawyer was intoxicated and smelled of alcohol, with his blood alcohol content at .135.

Reported first on the scene, Pullman Officer Jared Aubertin stated that he had talked to several residents who said Lawyer was acting aggressively towards resident minors.

The affidavit states that a Whitman County Superior Court search warrant revealed three improvised devices. Two of which contained substances that burned when lit, indicating explosive potential.

Officers found a one-pound jar of rifle powder in a sack with two devices. Sergeant Christopher Engle stated that Lawyer admitted that the bag and the rifle rounds were his.

Engle reportedly found an old rifle with a full-length wooden stock in the laundry room.

Lawyer denied threatening anyone or lighting a fire, Engle reported. Reports state that upon talking to a resident, she said that she had stomped out the device's fuse. Officers found a burnt area of carpet, consistent with her statement.

The affidavit states that Lawyer is on active Idaho DOC parole, and the incident is a likely violation. Additionally, Lawyer has multiple prior arrests for failure to appear and comply.