Amherst Police and federal law enforcement found a significant amount of explosive materials in the apartment of a 25-year-old Williamsville man.
25-year-old Duncan Badding of 66 Williamsburg Square Apartments was arrested Wednesday night after he was target shooting with a rifle. That's when police discovered bombing making materials, weapons, and dangerous chemicals inside his apartment.
Assistant Police Chief Charles Cohen says more than 50 pieces of evidence were removed from the scene after a search warrant was issued over night.
"A significant amount of explosive materials and potentially dangerous chemicals were removed," said Cohen. "At this time, no links to a terrorist plot have been discovered, and no specific threats were made. The evidence is being evaluated and additional charges may be forthcoming."
Badding is being held in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, or $500,000 bond, following his Thursday morning arraignment in Amherst Town Court.
Police were called to Williamsburg Square around 6 p.m. Wednesday after gun shots were heard at the complex. Badding was using a .22 shotgun for target practice.
A search was then initiated of Badding's apartment that took several hours overnight to complete. The Erie County Sheriff Bomb Squad used a bomb-detecting robot to help with the effort. The county HAZMAT team was also present along with members of the FBI, ATF and local volunteer fire companies.
A Williamsburg Square neighbor who would not give his name told WBFO and AM 970 News that he believed Badding had been warned one time by his landlord after blowing off M80's around the complex.
He also said Badding has some "unusual toys," including a blow-dart gun and a pair of stilts.
At his arraignment, Badding told the judge he "was doing research". But Assistant Chief Cohen told reporters nothing indicated that it was for legitimate research.
Badding has been charged with Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and discharging a firearm. He is being held at the Erie County Holding Center.