A 37-year-old Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly trying to set off a homemade bomb inside a Tampa Walmart.
Emily Stallard, 37, is facing charges of attempted arson, fire bombing and child abuse, among other charges.
Stallard allegedly built a homemade bomb using a Mason jar filled with nails, denatured alcohol and a candle, according to WFLA. She was spotted in the store with her son by a security guard who deemed her behavior "suspicious."
The guard and an off-duty police officer apprehended Stallard before she could detonate the device.
Stallard also allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in an additional charge of battery of a law enforcement officer.
“This woman had all the supplies she needed to cause mass destruction at her disposal,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Had it not been for an alert off-duty law enforcement officer and a watchful security staff at Walmart, she may have followed through with her plans to cause an explosion inside the store.”
Stallard’s bond was set at $8,500.
“We take the safety and security of our customers and associates seriously,” Walmart told News Channel 8. “We appreciate the quick response of local law enforcement and are assisting them as they investigate the matter.”
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