Arrest of Former Military Members with Cache of Weapons and Nazi Memorabilia at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Two individuals were apprehended in Washington state after being found with a cache of weapons, explosives, and body armor, as well as Nazi-related items. Levi Austin Frakes and Charles Ethan Fields, former military members, were taken into custody following an incident where they attacked a soldier at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The pair had been stealing equipment from the base for two years to sell or trade, according to one of the defendants. They were charged with robbery, assault, and theft of government property, and are also facing state charges for unlawful possession of various weapons. The men were found with rifles, Nazi memorabilia, and military equipment at their residence in Lacey, near Olympia.
The federal complaint detailed the events that led to the arrest of Frakes and Fields. The soldier encountered the two men at the Army Ranger compound at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where they were in possession of U.S. Army property. A confrontation ensued, during which one of the men struck the soldier with a hammer. Despite sustaining injuries, the soldier managed to gain control of the situation before one of the attackers pulled out a knife. The men attempted to steal body armor, helmets, and communication equipment, but left most of it behind as they fled the scene.
Investigators were able to identify the suspects through surveillance footage and base entry logs. The wounded soldier recognized the name "Fields" from a hat left behind by one of the attackers, leading to the discovery of their identities. Both men had access to the base due to their veteran status. The FBI conducted a search at their shared residence and found a significant number of firearms, explosives, and military gear, including a machine gun used by German troops in World War II.
The arrest of Frakes and Fields shed light on their criminal activities and the extent of their arsenal. The presence of Nazi paraphernalia and white supremacy memorabilia in their home raised concerns about their motives and affiliations. The investigation into their actions and connections to the military community is ongoing. The apprehension of these individuals highlights the importance of vigilance and security measures in military installations to prevent unauthorized access and theft of government property.