The Federal Bureau of Investigation has formally charged an Akron man with transporting explosive materials without a license on Tuesday.
Elijah Blankenship, 27, was arrested on August 16 after an Ohio State Highway Patrol K-9 officer and his partner discovered two packages of unknown powder substances, gunpowder and pipe bomb during a probable cause search of his vehicle.
Blankenship was found parked in the area of Druid Walk, just four miles from a vigil site in downtown Akron to honor the victims of the Charlottesville, Virginia attack.
After a lengthy investigation, agents found no evidence that the pipe bomb was destined for the vigil.
All items found in Blankenship's vehicle were collected for laboratory analysis and evidence. Results showed PVC components containing metal screws, nuts and bolts and an unknown powder. A test burn was conducted of the unknown powder and it's consistent with an energetic pyrotechnic powder.
Blankenship is scheduled to appear in federal court Tuesday morning.
