IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS. CHECKING ALL THOSE NEWS. >> WHAT STARTED AS A REGULAR SEARCH FOR DEPUTIES QUICKLY TURNED INTO A BOMB SQUAD. CALL OUT. DEPUTIES SPOTTED SEVERAL SUSPICIOUS DEVICES NEAR NORTHEAST 24TH AVENUE AND DIPLOMAT PARKWAY IN CAPE CORAL. 2 DEPUTIES ARRESTED JOSHUA ALI AFTER ADMITTING TO THEM THAT HE HAD BUILT THE DEVICES. HE TOLD DEPUTIES THAT THE DEVICES WERE INTENDED TO SCARE AWAY ANIMALS. AND WE IS
Explosive devices found in Cape Coral woods lead to man’s arrest
Updated: 2:09 PM EDT Jun 12, 2026
A man in Cape Coral was arrested after deputies say he made his own explosive devices in the woods.LCSO says that initially deputies were searching a wooded area near Northeast 24th Avenue and Diplomat Parkway East for a wanted person. While checking a campsite, deputies say they spotted several strange devices that appeared to be homemade explosives.LCSO’s Bomb Squad responded, and a search warrant later revealed seven explosive devices. Among the devices were modified fireworks and a metal pipe containing energetic powder. Several of the devices had been altered to add projectiles upon detonation.During the investigation, LCSO says Joshua Mark Antley, 21, admitted to building the devices. He reportedly claimed that the devices were constructed to scare away animals.Antley was arrested and charged with making, possessing, throwing, placing, or discharging a destructive device and taken to the Lee County Jail.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
A man in Cape Coral was arrested after deputies say he made his own explosive devices in the woods.
LCSO says that initially deputies were searching a wooded area near Northeast 24th Avenue and Diplomat Parkway East for a wanted person. While checking a campsite, deputies say they spotted several strange devices that appeared to be homemade explosives.
LCSO’s Bomb Squad responded, and a search warrant later revealed seven explosive devices. Among the devices were modified fireworks and a metal pipe containing energetic powder. Several of the devices had been altered to add projectiles upon detonation.
During the investigation, LCSO says Joshua Mark Antley, 21, admitted to building the devices. He reportedly claimed that the devices were constructed to scare away animals.
Antley was arrested and charged with making, possessing, throwing, placing, or discharging a destructive device and taken to the Lee County Jail.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.