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An Atmore man was arrested Oct. 15 on possession and distribution of a destructive device/weapon charges, according to officials.

Atmore Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann said in a release that Trenton Lofton, 34, was arrested and charged with possession/distribution of a destructive device weapon.

McMann said on Oct. 14, APD officers responded to the 200 block of Pleasant Hill Circle in reference to a citizen requesting to speak with officers.

McMann said the officers made contact with Lofton.

“Lofton was extremely upset about some personal issues, and the officers were able to dispel his concerns,” McMann said. “However, Lofton made a few statements that were concerning, and officers conducted a follow up investigation.”
McMann said on the day of the arrest, officers discovered that Lofton had allegedly constructed two homemade explosive devices. He added that Lofton was prior military, and served as an explosive ordinance disposal tech.

“Lofton has also been undergoing treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” McMann said.

McMann said an APD investigator obtained a search warrant for Lofton’s address.

“APD staff contacted the Mobile Police Department Bomb Squad, the ATF and an ALEA SWAT team, which includes crises negotiators,” McMann said. “While awaiting the arrival of the additional resources, APD investigators learned that Lofton was at Walmart. The investigators conducted a traffic stop on Lofton as he was about to leave Walmart. He was taken into custody without incident.”

McMann said APD secured the area around the entrance to Walmart, and stopped traffic in both directions on Highway 21 for several minutes in order for an ATF bomb tech to check Lofton’s vehicle for explosive devices.

“The vehicle was clear of any devices and Highway 21, and the entrance into Walmart were reopened for traffic,” he said. “APD investigators spoke with Lofton, and were concerned with his well being as well as some of the statements he made. The focus of the investigation then shifted to Lofton’s residence.”
McMann said before investigators were able to search the residence safely, the MPD bomb squad and an ATF bomb tech searched the property thoroughly, and found two explosive devices, which were rendered safe.

“The Atmore Police Department recognizes that Mr. Lofton served our country, and is suffering from PTSD,” McMann said. “Our hope is that he receives the mental health care he needs.”

Lofton was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.