Investigators say an improvised explosive device caused a pre-dawn blast in a residential neighborhood; suspect faces felony charges.
Loudoun County, VA (JK) – The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office announced that 18-year-old Trent Lasher of Leesburg was arrested Thursday in connection with the incident, which occurred just after 4 a.m. on October 5, 2025, in the area of Sparkleberry Terrace.
Emergency crews were dispatched after a 9-1-1 call reported an explosion in the neighborhood. Fire and rescue units from Leesburg, Hamilton, Ashburn, and Lansdowne responded, along with command staff and officers from the Leesburg Police Department. Upon arrival, crews found several manhole covers displaced and light smoke in the area.
Fire Marshal investigators later determined the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device. As part of the investigation, search warrants were executed in northeast Leesburg, where explosive detection canines helped locate materials used to manufacture improvised explosive and incendiary devices.
As a result of the investigation, Lasher was charged with two felony counts related to the manufacture, possession, and use of explosive materials. He was transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Leesburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Geospatial Agency.
By Jimmy Key