Deconstructed fireworks found after search in Port Angeles

State Patrol troopers searched a Port Angeles home and found deconstructed fireworks after a tip that theoccupant could be making an explosive device.

PORT ANGELES — State Patrol troopers searched a Port Angeles home and found deconstructed fireworks after a tip that the occupant could be making an explosive device.

The residence was searched after police arrested David J. Pharr, 26, of Port Angeles. Pharr was taken into custody without incident at about 8:30 p.m. Friday, said Patrol Sgt. Josh Powless.

Pharr remained in the Clallam County jail Monday on $75,000 bond for investigation of unlawful possession of a firearm, assault in the fourth degree-domestic violence and possession of methamphetamine.

The domestic violence charge is unrelated to the explosives investigation, Powless said.

The arrest stemmed from information received that indicated Pharr — who has a felony conviction out of California — was in unlawful possession of firearms, Powless said.

The tip was made by someone acquainted with Pharr, Powless said.

The information also indicated Pharr was making homemade explosives, Powless said.

“Initially, what was reported to us was a pipe bomb,” he said.

“But as far I understand right now, we didn’t find that.”

Further investigation developed probable cause for Pharr’s arrest, as well as for a search warrant for the residence in which he had been staying, Powless said.

Officers arrested Pharr after he was seen walking in the area of Eighth and Lincoln streets.

Based on the information regarding Pharr’s possession of a homemade explosive device, the State Patrol Explosives Unit was requested, Powless said.

Once the residence was examined and secured by the explosives unit, officers and detectives searched the residence and located multiple firearms, as well as deconstructed fireworks, Powless said.

It appeared the fireworks were going to be meshed together for recreational purposes, Powless said.

“It sounds like he was trying to do that with the intent of making an impressive firework, not necessarily [to make] an explosive device, based on what I know right now,” Powless said.

Investigation into the ownership and origin of the firearms is underway.

________

Features Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@ peninsuladailynews.com.

More in Crime

Sequim man given alternative sentence for child sex crimes

Barron must undergo five years of treatment, court records say

Man arrested on firearms, drug and stolen property charges

A Clallam County man has been arrested on stolen… Continue reading

Clallam Bay man pleads guilty to first-degree murder

Sentencing next month to be between 35 and 43 years

Surveillance video footage shows a man brandishing a gun at the Dollar Tree store in Port Angeles. (Clallam County Sheriff’s Office)
Suspect sought in armed robbery in Port Angeles

A man armed with a 9mm handgun allegedly robbed… Continue reading

Trial postponed again for 2022 attempted murder case

Another evaluation sought for Luoma

Sequim man receives 4-year sentence for arson, assault charges

A Sequim man has been sentenced to four years in… Continue reading

Trial set in fatal Neah Bay crash

Woman died in Dec. 21 wreck

Port Hadlock man to be arraigned Friday

Kingsland charged with burglary, theft

Port Hadlock man accused of breaking into cat shelter, hijacking delivery truck

‘Crime spree’ reported by Clallam County Sheriff

Makah man indicted in fatal December crash

Arraignment set for March 4

Woman charged with stealing transit bus pleads not guilty

Status hearing in April, three-day trial May 13

Man jailed after newborn’s death released

Charges dismissed without prejudice