LOUDONVILLE — Controlled explosions shook North Union Street Wednesday afternoon.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad detonated “potentially dangerous” materials found during a search of a Loudonville home, according to a press release issued Wednesday night by Loudonville Police Chief Sean Gorrell.
The bomb squad took the materials from the resudebce and into a field next to the property one at a time before executing the detonations one-by-one in the controlled environment.
The controlled detonations began shortly after 4 p.m. in an open grassy field located next to the home at 826 N. Union St.
“They’re being done by experts,” Gorrell told media at the scene. “The public does not need to worry.”
Traffic along North Union Street was temporarily stopped during the detonations. Officers controlled traffic in the area and allowed vehicles to pass when it was safe.
Authorities executed the search warrant at approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday at 826 N. Union St., according to Gorrell.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, Loudonville Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Ohio State Fire Marshal and Loudonville Fire Department/EMS all responded to the scene.
“Other materials will be submitted for further laboratory testing. Once the laboratory testing is complete, the case will be submitted to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office for review,” the release said.
Gorrell said the scene is safe and there is no threat to the community.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Below are photos taken at the scene Wednesday. Credit: Hayden Gray
Below are more photos taken Wednesday near 826 N. Union St. Credit: Abby Hiday
