Crime
40-year-old Brent Sharrai arrested after planting IED on parked railroad car in Payette, Idaho
On January 1, 2025, at approximately 5:54 p.m., the Payette Police Department responded to reports of a suspicious individual observed near a parked railroad car in the 600 block of North 8th Street. The individual appeared to be attempting to ignite an object.
Upon arrival, officers discovered fresh footprints in the snow leading to a train car. Inside the car, they located a suspected undetonated improvised explosive device (IED).
Officers followed the tracks to a nearby camp trailer parked close to a residence in the same area.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Payette resident Brent Sharrai, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Sharrai surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody on outstanding warrants in Payette County.
He was later booked into the Payette County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Possession of a Destructive Device (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)
- Resisting and Obstructing Officers
Given the imminent danger posed by the IED, the Nampa Bomb Squad was called to the scene to neutralize the threat. Union Pacific Railroad was notified, and all trains scheduled to pass through the area were placed on standby for approximately five hours while the scene was secured.
Using a specialized robot, the Nampa Bomb Squad safely removed the device from the train car and later detonated it in a controlled environment to ensure it no longer posed a threat. An FBI agent also responded to assist with the ongoing investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for the camp trailer where Sharrai had been staying. Inside, officers discovered items consistent with those used to construct the IED found on the train car, as well as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
Sharrai remains in custody at the Payette County Jail, facing the listed charges. Federal charges for possession and manufacturing of a destructive device are pending further investigation by the FBI.
This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift action by law enforcement. The Payette Police Department extends its gratitude to the Nampa Bomb Squad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the FBI for their assistance in ensuring the safety of the community.
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Northern District responded to a reported shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility located in the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard in Linthicum, Maryland.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the scene had already been secured by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA), who had the suspected shooter in custody.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident stemmed from a dispute between two contracted security guards working inside the facility.
During the altercation, one of the guards discharged a firearm, striking the other.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joseph Keith Aman of Baltimore, Maryland. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that a third contracted security guard intervened during the incident, successfully disarming the suspect and detaining him until law enforcement arrived.
Investigators confirmed the shooting was an isolated incident and did not involve any Northrop Grumman employees.
There was no ongoing threat to the public or the facility following the incident.
Anne Arundel County Police Department Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.
Detectives conducted multiple witness interviews, while Evidence Collection Unit technicians processed the scene and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler of Pasadena, Maryland.
He has been formally charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and additional related offenses.
Northrop Grumman issued a statement acknowledging the incident, saying:
โWe are aware of an isolated incident involving two contractors at one of our Baltimore-area facilities. We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they investigate the matter. The safety of our employees and contractors across all facilities remains our top priority.โ
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Although an arrest has been made, detectives are continuing to gather information.
Anyone with knowledge related to the incident is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact the countyโs tip line at 410-222-4700.
Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.