A father and his 15-year-old son were arrested Wednesday (April 22) after Nassau County police discovered chemicals combined to create explosive materials at their home. The investigation began after officers looked into a bias incident involving a swastika drawn in a boys’ bathroom at Syosset High School, which police allege was done by the teen.

According to the Nassau County Police Department, officers arrived at the residence around 1:30 p.m. and shut down the street as a precaution. The bomb squad found multiple acids, oxidizers, and fuels in a detached shed about four feet from the house, as well as dangerous substances like nitroglycerin, aluminum powder, aluminum sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide. The shed was partially secured with a tarp, which police described as unsafe.

Due to the hazardous nature of the materials, some chemicals were destroyed on site through a controlled ignition, causing a loud bang that nearby residents reported hearing. The Nassau County Fire Marshal, Arson Bomb Squad, Emergency Service Unit, and Hazardous Material Response Team all responded and helped secure the area.

Detectives allege the father, Francisco Sanles, purchased the chemicals for his son on several occasions, with both telling police they intended to build rockets. However, police stated that neither had proper qualifications to handle such chemicals. Court documents reveal that Sanles took his son to hardware stores to buy materials and did not supervise him while the chemicals were combined.

Sanles faces two counts each of criminal possession of a weapon and criminal facilitation, as well as charges for endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment. The teen is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, aggravated harassment, and making graffiti.

The Syosset Central School District notified families about the bias graffiti and the ongoing police investigation, emphasizing that "antisemitism and hate speech have no place in our communities or in our schools."

The district said the student will also face consequences under its Code of Conduct.

The police investigation remains active, and further charges could be possible as authorities review evidence and interview witnesses.

Simon Conway