Man arrested in Brevard County after trying to bomb state radio tower, deputies say
Man with pipe bomb causes road closure
A man has been taken into custody in Brevard County after deputies say he attempted to bomb a state radio tower. Officials say the incident was isolated and not an act of terrorism. FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte brings us the latest updates.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A man has been taken into custody in Brevard County after deputies say he attempted to bomb a state radio tower. Officials say the incident was isolated and not an act of terrorism.
What happened?
What we know:
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said deputies responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle around 4:16 p.m. on Friday in the area of Deering Parkway Road. The vehicle was parked near a telecommunication center hub off the roadway.
When they arrived at the scene, deputies said the 2019 red Dodge Ram 1500 truck was trying to pull away. Officials identified the driver of the truck as 44-year-old Erich Simard.
When speaking with Simard, authorities said they saw a pipe in the car used for smoking marijuana. Simard said he did not have a medical card, so investigators searched the truck and found a pipe bomb with a powdered substance and ammunition. Ivey said Simard told a story that "did not match what was going on."
A number of units, including the bomb unit, were seen on Deering Parkway Road between Interstate 95 and U.S. 1. The area was closed down for several hours.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey shared videos on Facebook Friday evening to update locals on the situation. (Credit: Brevard County Sheriff's Office)
Ivey said Simard appeared to be angry over employment issues and planned to target one of the state radio towers.
"The individual has made some statements about getting fired and things of that nature," Ivey said.
Ivey said the incident was isolated and not an act of terrorism.
Authorities later discovered Simard was homeless and a multiple-time convicted felon with charges related to burglary and possession of marijuana.
Simard is now facing new charges related to having possession of a destructive device, possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, and violation of an injunction.
Erich Simard, 44, was arrested on multiple charges and taken to the Brevard County Jail. (Credit: Brevard County Sheriff's Office)
What we don't know:
It is currently unclear what employment issues allegedly led up to Simard attempting to target the radio tower with the explosive device.
What's next:
Simard is being held with no bond at the Brevard County Jail.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
What is a pipe bomb?
Dig deeper:
A pipe bomb is a type of homemade bomb that is not manufactured through standard military or commercial processes.
A pipe bomb is typically constructed using a section of pipe, often steel, sealed tightly at both ends and filled with an explosive material.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) in Facebook posts on June 6, 2025, as well as in an arrest affidavit.