Explosives found at Pittsville home during welfare check

PITTSVILLE, Md. – A welfare check of a Pittsville man led to the recovery of explosive devices.

Detectives were called to the 7000 block of Gumboro Road on Thursday for a welfare check call on 45-year-old Christopher Wilgus Jr. Deputies met with Wilgus at the home, discovering what appeared to be homemade explosive devices strategically placed throughout the yard and property. Wilgus allegedly told police he was concerned about potential attacks on his residence and reported the presence of drones and individuals surveilling him.

During questioning, police say Wilgus revealed alarming details about the homemade explosives in plain view, and Maryland State Fire Marshals were subsequently called in to investigate. The devices were confirmed to be authentic, and samples of each device were taken for further analysis.

Police noted that Wilgus lives in the garage and motorhome on the property.

Wilgus was taken into custody due to the nature of the incident and was held without bond. Detectives authorized a search and seizure warrant at the property, and all remaining devices were deemed safe and removed. The area is found to be safe from any other threats.