Texas Man Accused of Planting Explosive Booby-Traps on Public Restroom Toilets

A Texas man is facing charges for allegedly setting explosive booby-traps on toilets in public restrooms, injuring two women and a young girl.

Paul Moses Alden, 46, allegedly set pressure-activated fireworks on toilet seats in restrooms at two Wash Tub car wash locations in the San Antonio area last month, according to law enforcement officials.

The San Antonio Police Department said Alden was arrested on Aug. 1 and charged with arson causing reckless damage – bodily injury. He was released from jail on a $50,000 bond the same day, and is awaiting indictment.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KENS 5, the first attack was reported at the Wash Tub on Bandera Road in Helotes on July 20.

Alden was allegedly seen on security video entering the unisex bathroom. When someone else used the bathroom a short time later, there was a small explosion.

Police said a woman was injured in that blast, but she left the car wash before detectives could speak with her.

Six days later, two more explosions were reported at the Wash Tub at Loop 1604 near Highway 281 in San Antonio. An employee was injured when she sat on the toilet, and a short time later, a little girl was similarly injured.

Remnants from small, pressure-activated fireworks were found at both scenes.

In each incident, Alden was allegedly seen on surveillance video entering and leaving the restrooms, then sitting in the lobby to watch the restroom door. He left the locations after the explosions.

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Employees told detectives that Alden is a regular customer, and they easily identified him thanks to his membership card. They also provided video of his vehicle 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."

TMX contributed to this report.