SAN ANTONIO — A Helotes area man is out of jail now after being charged with causing three separate small but explosive attacks.
Court documents accuse 46-year-old Paul Moses Alden of booby-trapping bathrooms in local businesses and causing explosions.
Several people reported minor injuries when the devices attached to toilets detonated.
The first attack was reported July 20 at the Wash Tub on Bandera Road in Helotes.
The arrest affidavit says a man was caught on their security camera going into a unisex bathroom, and then moments later when someone else used the facilities, there was a small explosion.
Detectives say a woman was injured but she left the location before a report was made.
Then just six days later there were two more victims at a Wash Tub in San Antonio, at Loop 1604 near Highway 281.
The affidavit says an employee was injured when she sat down on the toilet and moments later a little girl had a similar experience.
The detective claims physical evidence left behind at both scenes is the same.
They found the remains from small, readily available commercial fireworks that are designed to explode when pressure is applied.
In every case, the affidavit claims Alden can be seen on security cameras entering and leaving the bathroom, sitting in the lobby watching the bathroom door, and then leaving the area after the explosions.
Employees told police they were able to identify Alden because he is a regular customer who used a membership card and they have video of his vehicle and license plate.
A Wash Tub spokesman said they didn't want to appear on camera for an interview but they shared this statement:
"We are very pleased with the quick action of SAPD and the Arson investigator working this case. We will continue to fully cooperate with SAPD and the District Attorney's office."
Both fire and police told us the investigation continues.
Alden is facing a charge of arson causing reckless damage or bodily injury.
His bond was set at $50,000 and he was in and out of jail the same day he was arrested.
Court records indicate he is awaiting indictment and a court date has not been set for his next hearing.