Newark Man Arrested after Explosives Found by Police

NEWARK, OHIO – The Newark Division of Police arrested a local man after discovering two explosive devices in a crashed vehicle on Prospect Street Tuesday morning. Detectives arrested 30-year-old, Kristopher Porter of Newark for Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Ordnance, which includes illegally manufacturing or processing explosives.

Officers were called to the area of 49 Prospect Street on a report of a Hit-Skip crash. The driver of an SUV had struck a parked vehicle and fled the area on foot. Officers located a suspected explosive device in the abandoned vehicle. A second device would later be located in the vehicle by the Columbus Bomb Squad. Officers were able to locate Mr. Porter, who lived nearby on Gainor Ave. He was detained without incident. A search of the property revealed further evidence of materials used to make explosive devices. 

Officers received assistance from the Newark Division of Fire, Columbus Bomb Squad, ATF, NPD Special Operation Group (SOG) and Crisis Negotiator Team (CNT) and the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.

The case will be presented to the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office for review of charges. Newark Police Detectives ask that anyone with any information regarding this incident call the Newark Division of Police at (740) 670-7215.