Mount Vernon, Washington- A Mount Vernon man has been arrested for possession of Explosives, Possession of a Prohibited Explosive Device, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Violation of the Uniformed Controlled Substance Act.
According to a probable cause affidavit of Arrest obtained by SkagitBreaking.com through a public disclosure request, 43-year old Douglas Keltz of Mount Vernon was arrested after an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Washington State Patrol and the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office.
ATF Special Agents notified the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office that Mr. Keltz had been trying to sell explosive devices from the 21000 block of Francis Road to a confidential informant.
On September 9th, 2016 the ATF conducted a controlled buy at the Francis Road Address, where Mr. Keltz has rented for several years. The property consists of 39.5 acres with several out buildings.
The CI was able to purchase nine electric blasting caps, 250 feet of detonation cord, binary explosives and a shock tube for $1100 from Mr. Keltz. The items are pictured below.
Photo Of Explosive Devices Purchased during controlled buy
The Washington State Patrol Explosives Technicians said these explosives were categorized as High Explosives and are capable of causing death or serious bodily harm.
After a search warrant was obtained for the Francis Road property the A.T.F in conjunction with the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol searched the property. They were able to find multiple explosives and fireworks in various locations on the property.
In a large safe in the home, two binary explosives were found, as well as a S&W 9mm handgun with ammunition inserted into the magazine, two packages of suspected methamphetamine that field tested positive were found. One package had a gross weight of 7.9 grams and the other had a gross weight of 22.9 grams. Numerous unused clear plastic baggies, 34 prescription pills in a plastic bag as well as cash and an improvised explosive device (IED) were also located in the safe.
Francis Road Search Warrant
The IED was a beer can with a fuse extending from it, and a type of foam to keep the contents inside. It was later found to contain flash powder.
Francis Road Search Warrant
Deputies have had previous contact with Mr. Keltz in 2014 at the Francis Road address while they were investigating a stolen trailer. Online records show Mr. Keltz has 37 court cases, including convictions for Residential burglary in 2010, Assault 3rd in 2010, Assault 4th degree in 2007, Possession of Stolen Property in 2005, Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer in 2005 and Disorderly contact in both 1997 and 2011.
Douglas Keltz was booked into the Skagit County Jail where he is currently being held in lieu of $150,000 bail for Possession of Explosives, Possession of a Prohibited Explosive Device, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st and Violation of the Uniformed Controlled Substance Act.
Be the first to comment on "Francis Road Home Raided For Explosive Devices"