BREAKING: Pipe Bomb Suspect in Colchester Incident Now in Federal Custody

BREAKING: Pipe Bomb Suspect in Colchester Incident Now in Federal Custody

By Michael Donoghue | Vermont News First

BURLINGTON, VT — Federal authorities have taken custody of Justin L. Perkins, 40, in connection with a pipe bomb incident that shut down Pearl Street for over seven hours on Sunday, Aug. 24. Perkins had previously pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court to possession of a destructive device related to a Colchester construction site incident earlier this month.

Court records show that as of August 22, Perkins is now in federal custody. No federal charges have been publicly filed yet, but a sealed complaint is possible. A writ will be required if Perkins is to appear again in state court.

The incident began when Perkins allegedly brought a homemade pipe bomb to a job site on Dylan Avenue in Colchester on Aug. 14, asking coworkers to detonate it in a nearby sand pit. Witnesses described the device as 9–12 inches long and resembling a water bottle. Police say it contained black powder inside PVC pipe and was constructed using instructions from a military munitions handbook.

On Sunday, authorities responded to a suspicious package at an apartment at 90 Pearl Street, where Perkins had recently stayed. The report prompted a citywide response, including the Vermont State Police Bomb Squad, Burlington Fire Department, and the Hazardous Materials Response Team. Pearl Street was closed from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. as officials removed suspected explosive materials.

Perkins’ recent behavior raised concerns among coworkers, with reports of erratic demeanor, suspected drug use, and troubling statements about making ghost guns and munitions. One colleague said he was seeking a grenade launcher.

Court records show Perkins has a lengthy criminal record:

• 15 felony charges (1 conviction)

• 43 misdemeanor charges (9 convictions)

• Multiple assault and court violation charges

The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Colchester Police or Burlington authorities.

Photo: Burlington Fire Department ladder truck reaches toward a fourth-floor apartment at 90 Pearl Street