Federal authorities arrested an air traffic controller on explosives charges.

Federal agents on Tuesday raided the Tempe home of Laro Nicol, a 40-year-old air traffic controller at Glendale Municipal Airport. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and firearms spokesman Thomas Mangan said authorities suspect Nicol of manufacturing and possessing small explosive devices in his home.

Nicol wasn't home during the raid but was later taken into federal custody, Mangan said. ATF officials didn't say what was taken from the home.

Nicol was a member of Phoenix Cop-Watch and several other political groups, said longtime friend Patrick Schwind. Copwatch is a group that videotapes police officers as they make arrests in hopes of deterring brutality.

Officials with U.S. Attorney's Office wouldn't comment on the case.