Video Report–Explosives, guns found in Fairfield home–Chemicals, hundreds of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammo in Bronson Road house.

Article below written by By Fairfield Sun>

Explosive devices were removed from a Bronson Road residence and detonated by State Police bomb technicians as police investigated a large cache of chemicals and weapons.

The chemicals were discovered during a second visit by police to the house at 1625 Bronson Road on Tuesday, Oct. 1, and resulted in the closing of the residential street and response from federal, state and local authorities.

Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara said Wednesday, Oct. 2, that the resident had been making explosive devices, and that police would pursue criminal charges.

MacNamara and others at a press conference at police headquarters could not yet say how many devices were removed from the house and set off at a safe location. He described the devices as “similar to an M80, but larger.”

Between 150 and 200 guns, plus “tens of thousands” of rounds of ammunition, were also found in the house, MacNamara said Wednesday. He could not say what type of guns they were, but said most were long barreled.

The resident, who police have not yet identified, is believed to have worked at Remington Arms, to have a background in chemistry and to have been involved in rocketry as a hobby, MacNamara said.

MacNamara said authorities are not sure when that hobby “crossed the line.”

Police first responded to the house early Tuesday after a relative living out of state asked for a check on the well-being of the man. MacNamara said Tuesday officers went to the door, the man responded, appeared fine and the relative was advised of that.

Later Tuesday, the man called police reporting that there had been a burglary. Officers arrived, and during their investigation, discovered that a large quantity and variety of chemicals were stored throughout the house and garage, MacNamara said Tuesday.

One of the officers experienced a burning sensation in the throat when inside the house, but did not require treatment, the chief added.

Explosives technicians rendered the scene safe, allowing the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to identify the chemicals. MacNamara said it is likely that a privste company will be contracted to remove the items.

Nearby residents were advised to leave, but allowed a short time later to return.