The arrest also prompted a search for bomb-making materials.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A Sarasota man has been accused of drug violations after he fled from deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Kenneth W. Iversen, 23, of 4060 Tonga Drive in Sarasota, was charged with one count each of fleeing and attempting to elude, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with two counts of resisting an officer without violence, deputies said.

Iverson came to deputies’ attention Sunday (Feb. 5) while shopping in a Home Depot at 9941 Adamo Drive in Brandon, when his suspicious behavior attracted the attention of store personnel. Deputies said Iversen was seen selecting items that would be used to assemble a pipe bomb. When confronted by store personnel, deputies said, Iversen uttered “Allah Akbar” before fleeing and dropping a large knife. Hillsborough sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident and opened an investigation.

During covert surveillance Tuesday (Feb. 7), deputies said they saw Iversen return to Home Depot and once again began selecting items that would be consistent with making a pipe bomb. Home Depot personnel approached Iversen and Iversen left the store and drove out of the parking lot in a 2012 Chrysler 300.

Two marked HCSO patrol units attempted a traffic stop on Iversen and he failed to stop and fled in a high rate of speed. The marked units dropped out of the traffic stop and, deputies said, three undercover cars and an HCSO helicopter followed Iversen until he stopped in the 4900 block of S 78th Street in Tampa. Deputies said they saw Iversen get out of the carrying a small tool box.

Deputies approached Iversen and he fled on foot and discarded the tool box. After a brief foot chase, deputies said Iversen was captured and taken into custody. Deputies located the tool box and found a small threaded pipe that resembled a pipe bomb. Upon arrest, a clear glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine was found in Iversen’s pants pockets, deputies said.

During the subsequent investigation, deputies said, they learned that Iversen lived with his mother in Sarasota. With help from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Fire Department and the FBI, the residence was searched for any further evidence. No additional hazardous materials were found, deputies said.

For information about the Hillsborough sheriff, go to hcso.tampa.fl.us.

Photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Arrests | Bomb | Sarasota Sheriff | FBI | TB Reporter

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