This prank stinks.
A Texas man is accused of hiding explosive poopy-traps underneath toilet seats in the bathrooms at two local car washes, injuring two women and a young girl when they detonated, according to police.
Paul Moses Alden, 46, allegedly rigged small commercial fireworks that blow up when pressure is applied in three separate bathrooms in the San Antonio area — and then waited around for the explosion to happen before leaving, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KENS 5.
The first blast was reported July 20 at the Wash Tub, a car wash on Bandera Road in Alden’s hometown of Helotes, just outside of San Antonio, cops said.
Investigators say Alden was filmed on security camera going in and out of a unisex bathroom and, moments later when a woman went to use the restroom, there was a small explosion, according to the affidavit.
The woman suffered minor injuries but left the store before police could take a report.
Six days later, two more victims were injured at a separate Wash Tub location in San Antonio at Loop 1604 near Highway 281.
A female employee was hurt when there was an explosion as she squatted on the toilet and a little girl suffered the same terrifying experience in a separate bathroom just minutes later, police said.
Physical evidence of the small fireworks was recovered by police at both scenes.
In both attacks, Alden was filmed on security cameras entering and leaving the bathroom before sitting patiently in the lobby with his eyes fixed on the lavatory door waiting for his victims to enter.
After the fireworks detonate, he leaves, according to the footage.
The culprit was easily identified by employees at the car wash who said Alden was a regular who had a membership card. They also had video of his car and license plate.
“We are very pleased with the quick action of SAPD and the Arson investigator working this case,” a Wash Tub spokesperson told KENS 5. “We will continue to fully cooperate with SAPD and the District Attorney’s office.”
Alden is charged with arson causing reckless damage or bodily injury. His bond was set at $50,000 and he was bailed out the same day of his arrest.
He is currently awaiting an indictment, according to court records. Police and fire officials said the incidents remain under investigation.
