A search of his home netted materials to make explosives.
Hagerstown, Md (KM) A Hagerstown man is charged with manufacturing and possessing explosive devices. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says Stephan Russell Smith.,40. is being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.
On Monday at 10:00 AM, the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office was dispatched to the 200 block of Hager Street after a woman who lives there found suspicious items inside the home, including hand grenades. Local authorities deterimined the devices could be live, and contacted the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office Bomb Squad. Technicians arriving the scene performed diagnostics on the devices and determined it was necessary to make them safe.
After the devices were rendered safe, a search warrant was obtained on the home. Investigators located 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and 20 pounds of white ammonium nitrate “prills,” among other dangerous components. The Fire Marshal’s Office say the “prills” are consistent with Tannerite, a material used to make exploding targets. Authorities say it’s illegal to sell, purchase or possess this material in Maryland without a license. .
Smith has been charged four counts of manufacturing and possession of a destructive device, and four counts of possession of explosive material with intent to make a destructive device.
No injuries occurred during this investigation.
By Kevin McManus