Authorities in Stokes County, North Carolina, have arrested a 72-year-old man after discovering a cache of weapons and homemade explosive devices inside his home. The arrest followed an incident in which the suspect allegedly opened fire in a Walmart parking lot.
According to the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on Monday when a man reportedly fired several gunshots into a vacant car parked outside the Walmart in King. The suspect was later identified as Larry Keaton Brown, 72, of Walnut Cove.
Law enforcement officers quickly obtained a warrant for Brown’s arrest, and he was pulled over in Walnut Cove. Deputies say that during the traffic stop, Brown attempted to reach for a revolver, but officers were able to disarm him safely and take him into custody without further incident.
Following his arrest, authorities executed a search warrant at Brown’s residence on the 1000 block of Neal Road. Inside, investigators found multiple firearms, various rounds of ammunition, and several homemade explosive devices along with materials used to make them.
Due to safety concerns, neighboring homes were evacuated while bomb technicians secured the explosives. “Neighboring homes were evacuated due to safety concerns as the devices were secured,” the sheriff’s office confirmed. Brown now faces multiple charges.
The Stokes County Sheriff’s Office has charged him with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, while the King Police Department has charged him with injury to real property and discharging a firearm within city limits. Officials say the investigation remains active and that additional charges could follow as evidence continues to be reviewed.
“Deputies say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed,” the sheriff’s office stated. Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting, though the swift response of law enforcement prevented the situation from escalating further.
Residents of the Walnut Cove area expressed concern after learning about the explosive devices found nearby, with some praising local law enforcement for their quick action. The discovery has sparked renewed discussions about community safety and the dangers of homemade weapons.
As of now, Brown remains in custody while investigators work to determine the full scope of his alleged activities and the potential threat posed by the materials discovered inside his home.