Navy veteran from found with bomb-making materials at California motel, police say

A 46-year-old Navy veteran from Arizona was arrested at a Motel 6 in Chino this week after police said an investigation led to the discovery of an unregistered firearm and bomb-making materials in the man’s car.

Officers were conducting a vehicle check at Motel 6 on 12266 Central Avenue on Monday when they allegedly saw part of a gun out in plain view in the parked vehicle. Jorge Moreno, the vehicle’s registered owner, was found to have an unregistered firearm in his possession, officials said.

Police did not disclose the reason behind the initial vehicle check.

The Ontario Fire Department Bomb Squad and the FBI responded to assist with the investigation after police discovered chemicals and supplies that were “consistent with precursors of an explosive device,” and could be considered bomb-making materials. Authorities also found several airsoft guns, two gas masks, and a ballistic vest.

“It was determined that Moreno possessed sufficient explosive precursors to potentially manufacture improvised explosive devices,” the Chino Police Department said in a statement Wednesday.

A retired Navy veteran, Moreno had specialized experience working in ammunition and explosive ordinance, according to authorities. Police did not immediately elaborate on the type of chemicals or supplies found inside the vehicle or what they believed Moreno’s intentions were.

Detectives also served a search warrant on his motel room and found narcotics, a written formula for producing smoke bombs and other materials.

Moreno was inside a room at the motel when the investigation began. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing materials with the intent to make a destructive device.

The investigation into his activities and intentions is ongoing, police said.