(MOBILE, Ala.) Jan. 27 - NBC 15 News is digging up new information about the man police are calling a suspected terrorist.
Thomas Haywood Lewis, 22, is the man who police say had an arsenal of explosives in his home. Investigators also say he is the person who spray-painted Nazi markings on a local synagogue and at Cooper Riverside Park a few weeks ago. Lewis was out on bond until today. He was originally arrested Thursday and bonded out just a couple hours later. Tuesday, he was re-arrested and his bond revoked because police feel he is not only a flight risk, but also a continuing threat to our community.
Mobile Police were working against the clock to track down the person who spray-painted Nazi markings on the Congregation Tree of Life synagogue in Mobile. Police will not show all the markings. "They were directed at minorities," said Mobile Police Chief Phillip Garrett. "I'm simply not going to show you what they said. He was serious about his threats."
Police say Lewis is the person behind the threats. Police say he had explosives to blow up an entire building. We spoke to Lewis's father Monday night. Police don't believe he knew his son had bombs inside their home.
"We think these were the items to be used for some type of device to be thrown at a building, church or synagogue." Deputy Chief Jim Barber said. "It's capable of causing some serious damage."
We broke the news to members of the local synagogue that was vandalized.
"Every time we have services now, I do watch new people that come in, a little closer," said member, Jack Morgan. "We are not used to doing that in America."
The case is under review by the US Attorney's Office, which could bring federal charges against Lewis, should they decide to prosecute. Lewis is charged with two counts of criminal mischief, criminal possession of explosives and possession of a controlled substance. He's expected to be in court later this week for a bond hearing.
