A Clermont County man has been detained after law enforcement officers found pipe bombs and ammunition in his shed, alerting concerns among residents. Ricky Lewis II, 31, was charged with two counts of possession of dangerous ordnance following a search that unveiled the makeshift explosives. The authorities became aware of the situation last Friday after Lewis' estranged girlfriend flagged down officers, as reported by FOX19.
Having spent months constructing pipe bombs, Lewis allegedly prepared for doomsday scenarios. In a statement obtained by Local12, his girlfriend explained to police that Lewis had been making them since August and reportedly stated they were "For when the world goes to s***, we won't be without. We will have protection." The discovery of the bombs near several gas lines has distraught neighbors, with one remarking about the potential for a catastrophic explosion.
The search warrant execution by investigators led to the finding of "two separate metal pipes with closed caps on both ends" and a "red colored fuse inserted into the middle" in addition to "rifle powder" and "large amounts of ammunition." This finding has resulted in Lewis facing severe charges. Assisting the Cincinnati Bomb Squad in the removal of the explosive devices was the ATF, indicative of the severity of the threat as detailed by court documents shared by WLWT.
Currently held on a $300,000 bond, Lewis is due in court on Tuesday, where he will confront the charges laid against him for the unlawful possession of dangerous ordinances and assault. The legal system, acting in its capacity to protect the public, will now deliberate the fate of a man who was making bombs, said to be for 'protection,' but which put an entire community at potential risk. The neighbors, some of whom are worried that their homes can quickly turn into debris with a single ignition, await the outcome with bated breath, as detailed in a report by WLWT.