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Heavy explosives found in Fayette County home
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Southwest Regional police said they stumbled upon military and industrial-strength explosives while they were searching a man's Fayette County home for stolen firearms Monday.
Chief John Hartman said police are now trying to locate Jeff Wilson, 57, who lived alone in his daughter's home at 102 Miller St. in Newell.
Chief Hartman said police obtained a warrant to search the home after they busted a burglary ring and learned that Mr. Wilson might be keeping stolen firearms. Mr. Wilson was not charged in connection with the burglary ring.
Police attempted to contact Mr. Wilson but could not reach him and entered his home about 11:30 a.m., the chief said.
While searching the home, they discovered possible explosives and called the Allegheny County bomb squad for assistance. Bomb squad members told police Mr. Wilson had military and industrial-strength explosives, prohibited weapons and other "evidence of interest," the chief said. He declined to specify what type of explosives investigators found but said they would be illegal to possess. He also declined to say what the other "evidence of interest" was.
Chief Hartman said police are not yet sure how the explosives ended up in the home and are hoping to contact Mr. Wilson to get more information. He said it was too early to tell what, if any, charges Mr. Wilson might face because the investigation is ongoing.
Police spent nearly seven hours at the house before wrapping up their search. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.
First Published November 27, 2012 12:00 am
