LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A judge set a $200,000 cash bond for the man charged with using a weapon of mass destruction after an explosion at a Lyndon hotel Friday afternoon.
Leonard Pitchford, 37, appeared in court Saturday morning after being arrested Friday on 43 counts of wanton endangerment, use of weapon of mass destruction, and arson. Pitchford was seen repeatedly rolling his eyes and laughing throughout the arraignment.
First responders investigating an explosion at Springhill Suites in Lyndon, Kentucky, on June 20, 2025. (WDRB photo)
A judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf, despite Pitchford saying he was "guilty as charged, your honor."
Pitchford was repeatedly asked to not say anything else during his arraignment, but told the judge, "If you could, I plead guilty. We'll get this over with right now."
Lyndon Police Chief Robert Schroeder said officers responded Friday afternoon to 10101 Forest Green Boulevard at the Springhill Suites to assist staff with a guest who didn't check out and wasn't responding to attempts of contact.
Hotel staff reported they noticed an electrical cord was used to tie up the swing lock on the door. When staff attempted to open the door, "an unknown device" went off and caught the room on fire, police said.
Lyndon police put out the active fire with a fire extinguisher.
Pitchford's next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.
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Man arrested after explosion at Lyndon hotel charged with using weapon of mass destruction
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