Jordan Alexander Sweetman in custody
WARREN COUNTY, Va. – The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has provided updated information regarding a recent incident that involved a man in possession of a stolen car and explosive devices.
According to the original WCSO media release, the Warren County Emergency Communications Center received a call at approximately 9:30 p.m. on January 1, 2025.
The caller advised of a dark-colored Honda parked off-street, near Hillandale Road. The vehicle did not have visible license plates. The driver was wearing a ski mask and throwing objects from the car.
WCSO deputies quickly responded to the area but were unable to immediately locate the vehicle in question. A short time later, deputies noticed a vehicle matching the caller’s description. It was parked at the 7-Eleven store on John Marshall Highway.
Deputies approached the car.
The driver, who was wearing a ski mask, attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. He was identified as Jordan Alexander Sweetman, of Arlington.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Sweetman, 19, did not own the vehicle and, in fact, lacked a valid driver’s license. According to deputies, he also seemed to exhibit signs of a mental health issue.
The Honda had damage consistent with being stolen, no license plates, and contained tools consistent with burglary. As the vehicle was being towed to the WCSO for future evidence processing, deputies returned to Hillandale Road to search for items possibly discarded (as the original caller had reported).
According to WCSO, the initial criminal case began as a motor vehicle theft investigation after the subject’s initial arrest.
Sweetman was transported by ambulance to Warren Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Upon medical clearance, he was charged with obstruction of justice, possession of burglarious tools, wearing a mask to conceal identity, and driving without a license. He was transported to RSW Regional Jail and held without bond. Arlington County Police Department is working on the motor vehicle theft, which was stolen in their jurisdiction.
On January 2, WCSO investigators obtained a search warrant for the Honda.
During the search, several items resembling homemade explosive devices were discovered.
Investigators immediately ceased processing and contacted the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office, Loudoun County Bomb Squad, and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division for assistance.
Bomb squad technicians safely removed several devices from the vehicle. To ensure public safety, technicians conducted a controlled detonation near Eastham Park, outside of Front Royal.
The location was chosen due to its proximity, minimizing travel through populated areas, and its limited pedestrian and vehicle access.
Special precautions were taken to ensure public safety, including x-ray imaging to analyze the device, specialized disruptors that can safely detonate the explosive components, and seismograph monitoring to confirm that no property damage occurred during the controlled detonation.
While the detonation was audible in several areas, the WSCO notes that all precautions were taken to ensure the safety of all community members and public safety personnel.
Investigators immediately contacted Warren County Commonwealth Attorney John Bell who advised to place an additional felony charge on Sweetman for manufacturing/possessing explosive materials or devices.
Canines trained to detect explosives were deployed to the Hillandale Road location for additional searches. Traffic in the area was delayed for nearly an hour. Both the initial and follow-up searches did not result in locating any suspicious items that were alleged to have been discarded.
Sweetman appeared in court on January 8 for a bond hearing on the felony charge. He was held without bond pending a competency evaluation. Another bond hearing is set for Wednesday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. in Warren County General District Court.
As part of the investigation, WCSO expedited the forensic analysis of Sweetman’s cellular device, yielding valuable insights regarding his whereabouts leading up to his initial arrest.
Sweetman did not enter the Town of Front Royal corporate limits, but had traveled west on Interstate 66 from Arlington. He turned around near Hillandale Road, stopping briefly, and then headed back east on John Marshall Highway and pulled into a parking space near the 7-Eleven in Linden where deputies initiated contact.
“To the community, I want to thank you for your patience and trust,” said WCSO Sheriff Crystal Cline. “I understand that limited information can be frustrating, but certain details must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation.”
The WSCO feels, at this point, that there is no indication that Sweetman was working in concert with or is affiliated with any group or organization. However, there are still items that have been submitted to be forensically analyzed.
This incident remains under active investigation. Online court records show that Sweetman remains in custody.
“I encourage anyone with questions to contact my office directly,” said Cline. “However, please understand that my role as Sheriff requires a balance between transparency and safeguarding sensitive case details.”
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to contact WCSO Investigator Powell at 540-635-7100 or cpowell@warrencountysheriff.org.