Bomb scare in baltimore: man busted for parking lot blast — Photo 115683950 | Police © Rawf88 | Dreamstime.com

BALTIMORE, MD — A 23-year-old Baltimore County man has been arrested in connection with an explosion that occurred over the weekend in the Southeast District, city police confirmed.

Brent Goetz was taken into custody on Monday in the 3000 block of Ross Avenue, one day after investigators allege he detonated an explosive device in a rear parking lot along the 6300 block of Eastern Avenue.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Responding officers found evidence of a detonation but no injuries were reported. Witnesses told police that both the suspect and several unidentified individuals fled the area following the explosion.

Following an investigation, detectives identified Goetz as the individual responsible for deploying the device. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility.

Goetz has been charged with possession of a destructive device and second-degree assault. Police have not released a motive or further details about the materials used in the explosion.

Authorities continue probe after device detonation in public area

Officials have not confirmed whether the explosive was homemade or commercially manufactured. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has not commented on whether it is assisting with the investigation.

The parking lot explosion led to a temporary lockdown of surrounding businesses and prompted a police sweep of the area, though no further threats were identified. Surveillance footage and witness statements played a key role in quickly identifying the suspect.

Police have not said whether the “unknown victims” seen fleeing the scene were targeted or bystanders. No arrests or suspects other than Goetz have been announced.

As of Wednesday, Goetz remains in custody pending a bail hearing. The case will be handled by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.