Suspicious Driver Behavior Leads to Arrest of Arlington Man and Discovery of Explosive Devices in Stolen Car

A Joint press release issued by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and County Fire & Rescue at 1:30 p.m., Friday afternoon, January 3rd, explained the linked incidents of the previous day regarding an explosive sound around 10:15 p.m. and the temporary closing of John Marshall Highway Thursday evening. Here is that release in its entirety:

Warren County, VA – On January 1, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Warren County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a suspicious dark-colored Honda off the roadway near Hillandale Road. According to the caller, the vehicle did not have visible license plates and the driver was seen wearing a ski mask while throwing items from the vehicle.

Deputies promptly responded to the area but were initially unable to locate the vehicle. A short time later, a vehicle matching the description was found at the 7-Eleven on John Marshall Highway in Linden. As deputies approached, the driver — still wearing a ski mask — fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. The individual was identified as Jordan Alexander Sweetman, 19, of Arlington, Virginia.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Sweetman did not own the vehicle, lacked a valid driver’s license, and exhibited signs of potential mental health issues. The vehicle displayed damage consistent with being stolen, had no license plates, and contained items consistent with burglary tools. Following this discovery, the vehicle was towed to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for further evidence processing. Deputies also returned to Hillandale Road to search for items discarded by the driver.

Jordan Alexander Sweetman, 19, of Arlington, remains incarcerated at RSW Regional Jail without bond. Courtesy Photo RSW Jail

Sweetman was transported by ambulance to Warren Memorial Hospital for a medical evaluation and upon clearance, was transported to RSW Regional Jail. He was presented before the magistrate and charged with obstruction of justice, possession of burglarious tools, wearing a mask to conceal identity, and driving without a license. He was held without bond.

On January 2, investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. 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 ATF for assistance. Bomb squad technicians safely removed several devices from the vehicle and conducted a controlled detonation near Eastham Park to ensure public safety. Explosive detection canines were deployed to the Hillandale Road for additional searches, leading to minor traffic delays for about an hour.

As a result of these findings, Sweetman has been charged with an additional felony of manufacturing and possessing explosive materials or devices and remains held without bond at RWS Jail.

This incident remains under active investigation. Items recovered from the scene are being analyzed at a forensic laboratory. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Investigator Powell at 540-635-7100 or cpowell@warrencountysheriff.org.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Loudoun County Bomb Squad, ATF, Falls Church Field Office US Marshal Service, Virginia State Police, US Department of Homeland Security, Arlington County Fire Marshal Office, and Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office that assisted with this complex investigation. We also want to express our appreciation to the community for promptly reporting suspicious activity and for their patience during the response and investigation. Your cooperation and awareness are critical to maintaining the safety of Warren County.