A Wisconsin man accused of firing a rifle at another vehicle outside a fast-food restaurant is now facing additional charges after investigators allegedly discovered materials used to make improvised explosive devices during a search of his home.
Samuel Kendall, 25, is being held in the Waukesha County Jail on multiple felony charges following an investigation into a June shooting in Menomonee Falls and the discovery of explosive-related materials.
Rifle Fired at Vehicle Outside Culver’s
According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred on June 12 in the parking lot of a Culver’s restaurant in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Police allege that Kendall fired a .300 Blackout rifle at a vehicle occupied by two people.
One of the occupants told investigators he was struck in the eye by what he initially believed was a BB pellet. Officers responding to the scene recovered rifle shell casings, confirming that a firearm had been discharged.
Investigation Identified Suspect’s Vehicle
As detectives continued their investigation, they identified a silver Lincoln Town Car registered to Kendall as the suspected vehicle involved in the shooting.
During a search of Kendall’s residence, investigators found evidence indicating he had recently sold a .300 Blackout rifle, the same caliber of firearm believed to have been used in the incident.
Authorities also connected the investigation to earlier reports involving gunfire in the area.
According to police, several Flock license plate reader cameras near the restaurant had previously been shot, and a nearby homeowner reported finding bullet holes in a deck. Detectives recovered shell casings that matched those fired from a .300 Blackout rifle.
DEA Informant Allegedly Purchased Firearm
Investigators also learned that a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confidential informant had reportedly purchased firearms and 3D-printed automatic switches from Kendall.
According to the complaint, law enforcement supervised a controlled purchase on July 10, during which the informant allegedly bought a .300 Blackout rifle from Kendall for $1,200.
Police said the sale included ammunition that matched shell casings recovered from both the Culver’s parking lot and the residence where bullets had struck a deck.
Authorities Say Car Was Sold After Shooting
Investigators allege that Kendall later sold his silver Lincoln Town Car to a buyer in Waupaca, Wisconsin, for $1,000.
According to the complaint, he instructed the buyer to avoid driving through areas equipped with road cameras, a statement investigators considered significant during the investigation.
Arrested After Investigation
Police located Kendall at his workplace and arrested him on July 16.
According to investigators, Kendall initially denied involvement in the shooting.
However, detectives said he later admitted firing at two Flock cameras before arriving at the Culver’s parking lot.
Kendall reportedly told officers that after leaving the restaurant, he believed another vehicle was following him.
He claimed he was in what he described as a “panic paranoia state” and fired shots into the ground in front of the vehicle as a warning because he believed the occupants were chasing him.
FBI Agents Discovered Alleged Explosive Materials
After Kendall’s arrest, authorities executed search warrants at three locations, including his home.
According to investigators, FBI agents searching his bedroom discovered numerous items they believed could be quickly assembled into an improvised explosive device (IED).
The materials allegedly included:
- Radio-controlled switches
- Circuit boards
- Powder
- Ball bearings
- Fireworks
- Digital timers
- Potassium nitrate
- Sulfur powder
Agents also reported finding journals containing diagrams and written instructions describing how to assemble explosive devices.
Family Members Described Suspect’s Views
During the investigation, Kendall’s sister reportedly told detectives that her brother had expressed anti-government and anti-police beliefs since childhood and had become increasingly paranoid about law enforcement.
According to investigators, Kendall’s mother described him as a conspiracy theorist, while his father confirmed that Kendall had recently sold a .300 Blackout rifle.
Charges and Court Date
Kendall has been charged with:
- Four counts of recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of criminal damage to property
- One count of possession of improvised explosives
He remains in custody at the Waukesha County Jail on $250,000 cash bail.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 24, when he is expected to answer the charges related to the alleged shooting, property damage, and possession of explosive materials.
