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LAKE WALES (FOX 13) - Lake Wales police said they have arrested the man who set off two flares inside Eagle Ridge mall.
Patrick Joseph Collins, 32, was arrested at his home in Auburndale. He's accused of igniting two marine flares in a service hallway near JCPenny when there were about 100 people in the mall on January 21. The incident caused a panic and it was initially believed to be an IED explosion.
According to police, Collins was identified as the suspect after evidence left at the scene was found to have his DNA on it.
Investigators said Collins tried to flee on his motorcycle when he spotted police officers at his home. He was eventually taken into custody after crashing his motorcycle into a patrol car and attempting to flee on foot.
Collins is being charged with attempted arson, manufacturing or possessing a hoax bomb and resisting an officer without violence. Police said he offered no explanation or motivation when questioned about the incident.