This story is being updated throughout the day.
Oxford Police Department officers discovered explosive devices and modified weapons inside a home on South Lamar while responding to a domestic disturbance on Sunday afternoon.
After entering the home on South Lamar to investigate a domestic violence call, officers came across what have been identified as “possible pipe bombs.” Officers then evacuated the house and waited on other authorities to arrive.
“During the course of the investigation, officers were given consent to search the residence where they discovered modified weapons and two possible pipe bombs,” OPD said in a tweet Monday morning.
After discovering the weapons, local police called in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Tupelo Police Bomb Unit to assist at the scene. These agencies assisted officers in a “more detailed search of the property,” which led to the discovery of more weapons.
OPD Captain Hildon Sessums said this was standard procedure because Oxford doesn’t have its own bomb unit and Tupelo is the closest city with a bomb team.
“Once a search warrant was obtained, the Tupelo Bomb Unit entered the residence and secured the devices,” OPD tweeted. “Officers along with federal agents conducted a more detailed search of the property where multiple weapons, ammunition, narcotics and paraphernalia were discovered.”
OPD charged 22-year-old Kristopher Austin Griste with Domestic Violence-Simple Assault after the investigation. OPD said charges regarding the weapons found at the scene are still pending and there is no bond set yet for the suspect.
Sessums said OPD had not determined where the weapons came from or what the intended use for the weapons was.
“Most of the cases, from here on out, will be dealt with by federal agencies,” Sessums said.
The Daily Mississippian will continue to report on this developing story.
Update: 3:45 p.m.
According to a press release issued by OPD, Griste has been charged with simple assault and possession of drug paraphernalia and given a bond of $2,292.
The press release also stated that any charges related to explosives or firearms are being handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
