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January 3, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
District Chief Robert S. Ryalls, Fire/EMS Public Information Officer
757-565-7603, 757-876-5051; bob.ryalls@james-city.va.us
Explosive device on Vail Ridge in James City County
On Dec. 31 at approximately 6 p.m., the James City County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist the James City County Police Department (JCCPD) at 845 Vail Ridge in the Seasons Trace subdivision in James City County. James City Police Department’s initial response was to a domestic assault at that residence. JCCPD’s investigation revealed the possible presence of a military hand grenade.
James City County Fire Marshal’s Office requested the assistance of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) personnel due to the suspected presence of military ordinance. With the assistance of Navy EOD, the James City County Fire Marshal’s Office discovered bomb making material and one partially completed Improvised Explosive Device (IED). All hazardous materials and devices were removed from the residence by EOD personnel. Two adjoining residences were evacuated by JCCPD before removal of the materials.
The bomb making material consisted of smokeless gun powder, military heat tablets, multiple pieces of approximately 6 inch long by ½ inch in diameter iron pipe with end caps and copper wire. The partially completed IED consisted of an approximate 6 inch long by ½ inch in diameter iron pipe with end caps. A timing device and wiring was connected to the partially completed IED. There was no explosive filler in the partially completed IED. The partially completed IED also lacked a power source. The addition of a battery and explosive filler, both of which were recovered, would have completed the IED.
The James City County Fire Marshal’s Office obtained a felony warrant for the male resident of the above address charging Joseph Robert Yengel with manufacturing and possession of an explosive device. Mr. Yengel is a 36 year old white male and is on active duty in the US Navy. Mr. Yengel is currently being held at VPRJ.
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