Oct. 22 – State and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating the motive behind a “very large homemade explosives laboratory” discovered Sunday at a Hartshorne-area home.
A news release from the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives states that an explosion was reported at a home north of Hartshorne on October 20.
Deputies from the Pittsburg County Police Department and the Hartshorne Police Department responded to the scene with the Hartshorne Fire Department.
The release states that an individual, whose name is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation, was transported by medical helicopter to a Tulsa area hospital and remains in critical condition.
Responding law enforcement officers notified the ATF based on the items observed in the home and a federal search warrant was obtained, the release said.
ATF Resident Agent Ashley Stephens said certified explosives specialists, certified fire investigators, explosives enforcement officers, forensic chemists, along with additional agents from the ATF’s Muskogee Field Office and bomb technicians from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Bomb Squad responded to and processed the home. the scene.
“A very large homemade explosive laboratory was discovered, processed and dismantled,” Stephens said in the news release. “Officers and officers also recovered a quantity of narcotics.”
Stephens said that due to the threat to public safety posed by the large quantities of bulk powders and precursors, an emergency removal was carried out on site without incident.
Pittsburg County Acting Sheriff Frankie McClendon said the removal happened Monday around 4:30 p.m. and could be heard in the Hartshorne area.
“There is no longer any danger to the public,” Stephens said.
Stephens said the ATF is grateful no other person was injured by the explosion.
“Explosives, especially homemade explosives, are inherently dangerous if not handled properly. We are very grateful that no other individuals were injured and are hopeful for the injured individual’s speedy recovery,” Stephens said. “We would like to thank the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, Hartshorne Police and Fire Departments, and the City of Hartshorne for their assistance. It is partnerships like these that help make our communities safer.”
According to McClendon, any charges arising from the case will be handled by the ATF in federal court.
