West Terre Haute man arrested on bomb charges

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Justin A. Vangilder, 27, of West Terre Haute, was arrested last night at his residence in the 400 block of S. Sixth Street after West Terre Haute Police executing  a search warrant located bomb-making materials in the home yesterday afternoon.

He was booked into the Vigo County Jail at about 5:30 p.m., where he is charged with the following:  weapon of violence -possession of firearm by serious, violent felon;  manufacture, possess, transport, distribute hoax or replica destructive device; and destructive or explosive, possessessing, transporting, receiving, placing,  detonating with knowledge/intent device will be used to kill, injure or intimidate or to destroy property.

According to the WTHPD, VanGilder was convicted of possession of a non-registered destructive device in the past and officials were tipped off the suspect had handgun.

"While inside two of the officers could plainly see in another room what they believed to be bomb making materials," a press release states. Ultmately, with a bomb squad arriving and multiple agencies assisting at the scene, dangerous items were confiscated.

"Many items were recovered as evidence including a Partial Device that only lacked power to detonate. The IMPD Bomb Squad also located a Hoax Device that was made to look like an explosive and look-a-like pipe bombs," according to the press release.

Vangilder appeared in Div. 3 Court this morning before Judge Sarah Mullican. His next appearance is set for April 18 at 10 a.m. He remains held on $100,000 bond,  no  10 percent allowed.

Officials say they do not suspect any connection in this case and a separate, school-related, bomb threat last week in Vigo County.

Assisting WTHPD at the scene:
FBI
Vigo County Sheriff’s Department
Medic 42
Medic 51
Sugar Creek Fire Department
Indiana State Police Capitol Police K9 Unit
FBI/IMPD Bomb Squad

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