WALTON — A 36-year-old man has been arrested on charges of possession of an explosive device, drug possession, and possession of a firearm following a multi-day investigation that began with a suicide threat call.
Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced Tuesday the arrest of Gerald V. Walke of Walton.
The investigation began Aug. 6 when Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division responded to a 911 call reporting a person threatening self-harm.
Deputies were told Walke made threats to harm himself by use of a firearm.
Deputies located Walke and took him into custody, transporting him to a treatment facility.
On Aug. 7, investigators with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division applied to Delaware County Supreme Court for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, requesting the removal of Walke’s right to possess rifles, shotguns, or firearms.
The court granted the order with a provision to search for additional weapons.
On Aug. 8, deputies and investigators executed the search of Walke’s residence.
Explosive Detection K-9 Edge was deployed to search the premises and alerted to multiple locations.
Investigators located precursors for bomb and explosive device construction, as well as a rocket launcher and a rifle.
Investigators found drug paraphernalia in plain sight, as well as a device believed to be a homemade explosive device.
The premises were immediately evacuated, and a scene perimeter was established.
Investigators applied to Delaware County Court for a secondary search warrant for drugs and explosive devices.
The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit responded and assisted in making the scene safe.
The NYSP Bomb Disposal Unit located devices and later rendered them safe at the scene.
Investigators seized controlled substances, evidence supporting intent to sell those substances, a handgun, homemade explosive devices, and other evidence supporting the construction of the devices.
On Aug. 11, investigators arrested Walke on charges of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E Felony, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, a Class D Felony, and four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th degree with intent to sell, all Class D Felonies.
Walke was arraigned at Delaware County Central Arraignment Court.
Following the arraignment, Walke was remanded to Delaware County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 secured bond.
Deputies and investigators were assisted by the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit, K-9 Edge, and Delaware County Emergency Services.
