Police Seize Bombs, Grenades in Delaware County

Authorities say police found aerial bombs and grenades during a search of property in the town of Hancock.

According to the State Police-Deposit Bureau of Criminal Investigation, two aerial bombs, packs of fuse igniters and signal flares were seized from an estate property on Wednesday.

Police also discovered numerous incendiary grenades, gas grenades and smoke grenades during the search.

The operation followed a burglary investigation during which 24-year-old Stephen Esolen of Hancock was arrested.

Esolen faces two counts of burglary and three counts of weapon possession.

Investigators say the suspect was in possession of a large quantity of C4 plastic explosive and several blasting caps.

A bomb disposal unit searched Esolen's residence on County Highway 67 and seized a dozen electric detonators, four M60 igniters and a rifle with a silencer.

Police later discovered 20 pounds of C4 explosive they believe Esolen buried on a neighboring property.

Esolen was arraigned in Hancock town court and sent to Delaware County Jail on $50,000 bail.