Students 'genuinely frightened' by alleged bomb maker's arrest

Nick Natario Image
Friday, May 24, 2019
Students stunned after Sugar Land teen arrested for making bombs
Students who went to school with 17-year-old Maximillion Young, who was arrested for possessing bomb-making materials, say they were 'genuinely frightened'

SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) -- A neighbor of a Fort Bend ISD student accused of a plot to build homemade explosives says she's frightened about what could have happened.

Officials at Clements High School said Wednesday that Maximillion Young, 17, was placed under investigation by Fort Bend ISD police earlier this month after making several comments at school.

READ MORE: Sugar Land teen capable of making bombs that could 'shred people' arrested: Documents

An FBI agent warns elements found at the home of a Fort Bend ISD student could be used to create "a larger explosive," documents say.

"It makes me want to lock all my doors, and go inside for awhile," said Elane Biles, who lives near Young. "I fear for our safety."

In addition to finding materials, documents reveal Young's father had a video of his son igniting a substance, sending a fire three feet into the air.

"It's scary knowing that it's going on, and you know nothing about it," said Biles.

Officers said they were tipped by a Clements High School student.

Earlier this month, the student told police Young liked to 'see things go boom.'

She also said Young was possibly targeting Clements High School because he told her people there are going nowhere in life and they're not worth it.

"I probably can't imagine what would've happened if that wasn't the case," said Clements High School student John McCarthy. "We're very lucky that they came forward at the time that they did."

Young's father told police it's a misunderstanding. He said his son enjoys chemistry, and was making gunpowder.

Young's attorney, David Hunter, sent ABC13 Eyewitness News this statement.

"While we recognize that this is totally necessary that our schools be hyper vigilant to keep our children safe, law-enforcement has completely missed the mark in this case .It appears that law-enforcement has grossly misinterpreted information or has an incomplete investigation in this matter. We look forward to Zealously defending our client's innocence in court."

Young is charged with possession of components of explosives. If convicted, he faces 10 years in prison.

"I want him investigated," said Biles. "I want to make sure that my neighborhood is safe, and I'm safe, my family is safe."

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