The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
When police went to a man’s New Jersey residence to arrest him on an alleged restraining order violation, they reportedly found that he was using his garage as an illegal lab.
According to reports, a 53-year-old man from West Deptford was recently accused of violating an active restraining order against him. The local police got a warrant, and on the morning of February 20, they went to his home to serve him. It was around 11:00 AM when officers from the West Deptford Police arrived, and the man was found in his garage, which is detached from the dwelling.
When the police went into the garage, they unexpectedly reportedly found materials they believed were hazardous and potentially explosive. They asserted that the building was being used as a lab. The New Jersey State Police joined the investigation, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, HAZMAT teams, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was reported that in an effort to assure no one was put in harm’s way, the street was closed while the hours-long investigation was conducted.
The man was taken into custody and initially booked into the Cumberland County Jail for allegedly violating the restraining order against him. He will soon be transferred and housed in the Salem County Jail for the new charges of causing or risking widespread injury or damage, certain persons not to have weapons or ammunition, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
The West Deptford Police Chief made a statement about the situation to assure the people who lived near the property that there was “no immediate threat to public safety.” Currently, the authorities have not revealed what they found in the garage.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.