LOGAN — A 53-year-old Wellsville man has been arrested for allegedly storing an explosive and other incendiary devices inside his home, according to law enforcement. Thomas Ray Richards was booked into the Cache County Jail on Monday.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, on August 9, the Cache County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding Richards’ alleged possession of an incendiary device with the components to make more. The complainant also told deputies that the Wellsville man was driving while intoxicated with one of the devices in his vehicle.
A deputy reportedly stopped Richards for the suspected DUI in Sardine Canyon, US-89/91, near Sherwood Hills. Investigators reported that during a search of his vehicle, a large firework or explosive was found, which bomb technicians had to process at the scene.
Upon searching Richards’ home with a warrant, detectives discovered a box in the attached garage. The box, which was addressed to Richards from a location in Oregon, allegedly contained several cardboard housing units, a length of fuse, and four plastic bags with a white and black powder, along with mixing instructions, according to the arrest affidavit.
Richards told deputies that the box was from his brother in Oregon and that they light off the devices in the woods when they go camping together. Richards also provided investigators with videos of him and his brother lighting off the devices.
According to jail records, Richards was booked on suspicion to possessing an explosive or incendiary device, a third-degree felony. He also faces misdemeanors of prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, driving under the influence, and possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.