A domestic violence call in a quiet West Bountiful, Utah neighborhood escalated into a major public safety incident after police discovered a cache of aging explosives stored next to a large diesel tank, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
On Saturday (April 25), officers responded to a reported domestic dispute near 1100 West and 1400 North involving an 80-year-old homeowner and his son. Upon arrival, the police arrested the son. During the arrest, he allegedly informed the police that his father had explosives stored somewhere on the property.
The son was subsequently placed in jail and investigators returned to the residence to verify the claims.
Hazardous materials have been discovered
Authorities say the homeowner, identified as 80-year-old Dwayne Raymond Hughes, led officers to a container of dynamite believed to have been made in the 1980s. The explosives were stored in close proximity to a 2,500-gallon diesel fuel tank.
Investigators also reported finding an empty box marked with explosives and loose fireworks strewn around the yard. Officials described the situation as highly volatile, citing the instability of decades-old dynamite combined with the presence of large amounts of flammable fuel.
A criminal complaint has been filed
Hughes was taken into custody and booked into the Davis County Jail. He now faces several charges, including:
– possession of an explosive (felony of the second degree)
– Unlawful Possession of Fireworks (Class B Misdemeanor)
– Reckless Endangerment (Class A Misdemeanor)
Authorities said the explosives may have been stored on the property for decades without proper permission or permits.
Evacuation order issued
Because of the potential risk, officials issued a mandatory evacuation Monday morning (April 27), affecting all residents within 2,000 feet of the property. The evacuation began at 10 a.m. and law enforcement officers went door-to-door to ensure compliance.
Impact on the community
Residents were instructed to take essential items such as medication, but not to remove personal items. A temporary shelter was set up at 1930 North 600 West near a city park to house displaced persons.
Authorities are not reporting any injuries.
Ongoing investigation
The investigation is still ongoing as officials work to safely remove and dispose of the explosives. Law enforcement continues to investigate how the explosives were obtained and stored, as well as any other risks associated with the property.
