Local and state authorities worked together on Wednesday to render what is believed to be homemade explosive devices safe, according to a release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office
Deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office alleged they found homemade explosive devices while making an arrest in the Bassett area, according to the release.
The deputies were at the home to arrest Barry Wayne Witt, of 55 Raceway Drive, on Tuesday, Oct 4, around 10:10 p.m. The investigation continued on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Witt was wanted in connection with two outstanding contempt of court warrants.
According to the preliminary investigation, one of the deputies noticed a weapon in the home while making the arrest. Witt is disqualified from possessing a firearm, the release stated.
Officers issued another warrant for purchase/possess/transport a firearm by a person involuntarily committed, and also obtained a search warrant for the residence, according to the release.
When conducting the search, law enforcement officers allegedly located numerous weapons and three items that were believed to be explosive devices, according to the release.
The Virginia State Police (VSP) were summoned for assistance with the devices, and bomb technicians with that agency safely removed and rendered the devices – homemade explosive devices, authorities alleged – safe.
Witt is currently being held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center under no bond.
The investigation is continuing and may result in additional charges, according to the release.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2,500 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
