This story includes information first reported by WCPO, our content-sharing partner, and has also been updated with additional information from LINK nky
The Cincinnati bomb squad was called to Covington on Thursday night, where police said they found a vehicle parked on a road with explosives and guns inside.
It happened around 9:30 on Thursday night when officers on patrol say that they observed suspicious activity at a home on Donaldson Avenue, a short street that intersects with Madison Avenue near Covington Police headquarters and wraps behind the CVS store across from the police station.
After observing for a while, officers approached an occupied vehicle where they say they saw suspected narcotics inside and they asked the man inside to exit.
Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located two handguns, a suppressed AR pistol, a large quantity of suspected marijuana and approximately an ounce of suspected
methamphetamine.
They also say that they found a canister that contained what was believed to be explosive devices.
Kenton County Emergency Management was contacted and a code red notification was sent to residents in the area.
The Cincinnati bomb squad was also called in and the investigation alleges that devices inside the vehicle were found to be a fragmentation grenade, a smoke grenade, a hand
grenade simulator, a trip flare, two riot control CS gas grenades and one multi-purpose firing device (initiating switch).
Andrew Joseph Oliver, 39, of Frankfort, was arrested by Covington Police and charged with possession of a destructive device, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking marijuana, trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was scheduled to be arraigned in Kenton District Court on Friday morning.
Officers also served two warrants that were outstanding for Oliver’s arrest,
which included charges of burglary, theft and driving on a revoked or suspended
operator’s license.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and will be involved in further follow-up investigation of the incident, Covington Police said.
“ATF is assisting Covington Police Department with an investigation involving unlawful possession of firearms and explosives devices, including grenades,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division. “This case is especially concerning given the potential for destruction in our community. With our partners at the Covington Police Department, we will continue to ensure the public is safe and those responsible will be held accountable under the law.”
