PITTSVILLE, MD - The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office have announced the arrest of a Pittsville man after finding homemade explosive devices on a property in plain view.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, police were called to the 7000 block of Gumboro Road on Thursday, March 7th, for a check welfare request. There, police say they met with Christopher James Wilgus Jr., 45, and discovered what they say appeared to be homemade explosive devices strategically placed throughout the property. Wilgus resides in the garage and motorhome on the property, according to deputies.
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said the explosives were placed with a target in mind.
"Clearly he was having some challenging times, but it wasn't until we received information yesterday that he might have put some incendiary and or explosive devices around his property in preparation for law enforcement arriving at that location," said Lewis.
Police say Wilgus told them of his concerns regarding potential attacks on his residence, citing the presence of drones and people surveilling him.
"He thought that stray cats had been dropped off near his home that had listening devices on them so we could further hear his conversations with whoever," said Lewis.
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office says Wilgus revealed alarming details about the explosive devices.
According to charging documents obtained by WBOC, Wilgus described multiple devices he had constructed using various chemicals, fireworks, shotgun ammo, nails, and flammable material. Investigators say they found 3 propane tanks that had been placed on the property that Wilgus said were empty but were meant to scare people away.
The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal arrived at the scene and confirmed the authenticity of the explosive devices and collected samples, the Sheriff’s Office says.
"We'll get a further determination of exactly the capability these devices had on anyone who approached that property," said Lewis.
Police arrested Wilgus and took him to the Wicomico County Detention Center without bond, with another bond hearing this morning.
Wilgus' charging summary shows 13 felony charges of either manufacturing a destructive device or possessing explosive or toxic material with intent to create a destructive device. Each charge carries a maximum of 25 years or a maximum fine of $250,000 or both.
All remaining explosive devices were rendered safe and removed, according to the Sheriff’s Office, and the area was deemed safe from any other threats.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.