Slidell Man Arrested After Bomb Investigation; Explosive

A Slidell man was arrested Wednesday after a joint investigation involving the FBI and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office led investigators to a duplex on City Drive, where authorities say they discovered volatile materials and explosive precursor devices.

The investigation began after information developed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was shared with the FBI. Federal agents and sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at the residence Wednesday morning.

During the search, investigators located materials they believed posed a potential hazard. As a precaution, the surrounding area was secured while bomb technicians responded to the scene.

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Bomb technicians with the FBI worked alongside the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Device Unit and the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Device Unit to safely remove the materials. Deputies and state troopers then escorted the items to Camp Villere, where they will undergo additional testing before being safely disposed of.

Authorities said the operation was completed without incident and that there was no threat to the surrounding community.

The home’s occupant, Patrick Kittel, 38, was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on one count of Manufacturing and Possession of a Bomb. Officials say the investigation remains active, additional state charges are possible, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is reviewing the case for potential federal charges.

Sheriff Bret Ibert praised the coordinated effort between local, state and federal agencies, thanking investigators, first responders, nearby residents and the staff and families of Abney Elementary School for their patience and cooperation throughout the operation.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office also recognized the assistance of the FBI, Slidell Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1 and Acadian Ambulance.