Nov. 14—CUMBERLAND — A Barton man was arrested Monday after entering his ex-girlfriend’s home and planting improvised explosive devices inside the property in the 20300 block of Lower Georges Creek Road, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
No injuries were reported when Maryland State Police troopers found the explosives just after 1 a.m. and requested response from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Bomb Squad.
Andrew Ervin Romack, 62, who was taken into custody at the scene, was charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including manufacturing and possessing a destructive device, trespassing on private property, fourth-degree burglary, reckless endangerment and possession of a explosive.
Bomb squad technicians performed “render-safe” procedures on the device without further incident, according to a news release from the fire marshal’s office.
Romack remained in the Allegany County Detention Center without bond Thursday after bail was reviewed by Judge H. Jack Price Jr. on Wednesday. of the district court, which had scheduled a preliminary hearing for December 6.
“The responding forces’ rapid recognition of the potential hazard with this device and their decision to immediately contact us were appropriate in this incident,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “This serves as a positive reminder to all members of the public of the national message: ‘See something, say something.’”
No other devices were found during a further search of the home and Romack’s vehicle after bomb squad technicians deactivated the explosive.
