Arrest made in Eagle Ridge Mall incident

The Lake Wales Police Department made an arrest in the incident at Eagle Ridge Mall last Sunday. 

• Arrest made in Eagle Ridge Mall incident
• Patrick Collins, 32, identified as suspect
• PREVIOUS STORY: Composite image released in probe of marine flares at mall

On Jan. 21, police received a report of a possible pipe bomb that had detonated inside a corridor in the mall. Investigators learned that the devices were not pipe bombs, but marine flares disguised with black electrical tape resembling pipe bombs. 

They also learned that an unknown suspect had ignited the flares and attempted to throw them into the drop ceiling above the corridor and Kay Jewelers. 

During further investigation, officials identified the suspect as Patrick Collins, 32. 

Law enforcement located Collins at a home on 315 Leta Street in Auburndale where he tried to flee from deputies on a motorcycle. 

Officials said Collins crashed into one of the deputy's vehicles and then ran from the scene, but was quickly apprehended. 

Collins later admitted to igniting the flares at the Eagle Ridge Mall on Jan. 21. He told detectives that he was trying to sleep in the corridor when people began to chase him and he ignited the flares to keep them from getting him. 

Officials said his story did not match up with witness statements and surveillance video. 

Collins then stated that he acted alone and that within the last two weeks he was terminated from his job where he worked on cell phone towers. 

The case remains under investigation.