One suspect in custody, one at large after explosive device set off near Lehigh Valley polling place

State police are searching for Jack Pletz, a 24-year-old Catasauqua Borough man who is suspected of setting off an explosive device near a church that was serving as a polling place Tuesday morning.

“We’re asking anyone who has information on where Jack Pletz can be found to contact law enforcement — state police — with that information,” Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said at a press conference Thursday. ” Not to approach Jack Pletz, but to contact, if you don’t know the number, 911, or the Pennsylvania State Police.”

Pletz’s father, Matthew Pletz, was taken into custody for charges stemming from the same incident Tuesday night. He’s being held in Lehigh County Jail and has so far failed to pay $50,000 bail.

Holihan said no one was injured in the incident, and it’s not yet known whether the explosion was related to Tuesday’s primary elections.

“At this point, no information exists to cause investigators to believe the incident is related to the polling location,” Holihan said. “Residents who vote at that polling place were still able to cast their ballots and there was not a need to extend the polling hours related to this incident.”

Tuesday morning, police received a 911 call about an explosion near Salem United Church of Christ in Catasauqua, which was serving as a polling place.

First responders found the remnants of what appeared to be an M-type explosive.

“They are not sold at retail establishments as what you would call firecrackers or fireworks of any sort, so they’re all illegal,” Holihan said.

Nearby surveillance showed a green 1998 Chevy pickup driving by the crime scene just before the explosion. The vehicle was tracked to a nearby home where Jack and Matthew Pletz are believed to live.

After executing search warrants, investigators found 17 homemade, illegal M-type explosive devices in the truck. Raw materials were also found.

State, local and federal law enforcement responded to the explosion. Pennsylvania State Police’, The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Catasauqua Borough Police, North Catasauqua Borough Police, the Allentown Bomb Squad, and other specialized units were all on hand.

Holihan stressed that it’s unknown whether or not Jack Pletz is in possession of any explosives or explosive materials, but that the kind found by investigators could severely harm a person if one was set off nearby.

They’re urging anyone who sees him, or has information on his whereabouts, not to approach him, but to call police.

“From our position, it’s always safer and easier when you turn yourself in,” Holihan said. “That’s the message for Jack.”