Elkhart Man Charged in Pipe Bomb Plot

Elkhart’s Jacob Ryan Underwood, 22, is facing federal charges after allegedly building, tossing, and detonating pipe bombs across northern Indiana. A criminal complaint unsealed in South Bend accuses Underwood of assembling explosive devices and hurling two of them from a moving vehicle in Mishawaka—devices later recovered by investigators on January 29, 2018.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Underwood didn’t just assist in building one pipe bomb—he watched two others being made and then launched them from a car window. The tossed devices were later discovered in Mishawaka, matching the description and timeline of the alleged incident. Authorities believe Underwood was directly involved in their deployment.

Investigators also linked Underwood to a separate explosion near his Elkhart residence. Cops responding to reports found a mangled garbage can showing clear signs of blast damage. Sources confirm Underwood admitted to detonating a pipe bomb outside his home, evidence that deepened the case against him.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the probe, backed by a coalition of local law enforcement agencies including the Indiana State Police, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, South Bend and Mishawaka police, and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The joint operation underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat homemade explosives.

“Destructive devices, such as pipe bombs, are not only illegal, but present an imminent danger to life and property,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who possess and attempt to detonate devices like these.”

Underwood is charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device, a violation of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly is prosecuting the case. The complaint is an allegation; Underwood is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and statutory factors.

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