Police find suspected bomb materials

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Emergency crews responded to a potentially explosive situation in the northtowns Wednesday night. Around 7:15 a.m. Thursday morning, Police and Hazmat left the scene. Law enforcers say they have discovered suspected homemade explosives inside a Williamsville apartment.

Amherst Police responded to a report of shots fired at the Williamsburg Square apartment complex at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Police tell News 4 they've arrested Duncan Badding on weapons charges for shooting a .22 caliber rifle out of his back door at bottles. Amherst Police asked Badding if he had more guns. When he said he did, they went inside the man's apartment and say they discovered very suspicious materials in the basement, kitchen, and other areas that could be used to make homemade explosives.

Over the next six hours, Homeland Security, the FBI, ATF agents, and Amherst Police came to the home.

The Erie County Bomb Squad arrived at the home around 10:40 p.m. and parked on the lawn. It is unclear what they found inside the apartment, but it's clear they intend to be at the scene for some time and are being very cautious.

Agent in Charge Frank Christiano said, “Any time there are fire arms and specifically explosives, or suspected explosives, safety is always first and foremost for the officers responding and the citizens in the surrounding neighborhood.”

News 4 did ask the Amherst Police Chief if what was inside the apartment was related to reloading bullets. He said it was much more than that.

State Police have charged Badding with criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. In the Town of Amherst, they have given him two similar charges.