A Penn Yan man was arrested Tuesday night following an investigation into a reported explosion on East Elm Street.
Police said Damon R. Walker, 33, was taken into custody after officers responded to a loud blast around 8:20 p.m. Several residents had also reported hearing the noise in the area.
According to the Penn Yan Police Department, officers located evidence of a detonated homemade explosive device near East Elm Street. While on the scene, Walker approached officers, told them the noise was just a firecracker, and instructed them to leave. He was detained and found to be carrying two 12-gauge shotgun shells.
Authorities said Walker later obstructed and physically resisted officers during the arrest process at the police station and caused damage to the department’s interior. He was charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.
Walker was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to answer the charges in Penn Yan Court. Police noted that additional charges may follow pending lab results on evidence collected at the scene. Officials asked anyone who witnessed the explosion to contact the department at (315) 536-4426.
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