FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A Fort Pierce man is in custody after the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said explosive devices were found at his home while detectives were serving a risk protection order.
The agency said its investigation began Thursday around 12:20 p.m., when detectives identified "suspected destructive devices" at a residence in the 6000 block of Balsam Drive.
WATCH BELOW: Fort Pierce man charged after 8 explosive devices found in home
Neighbors said the street was closed for roughly 10 to 14 hours Thursday as investigators removed the explosives from the home, describing the experience as unsettling.
Detectives secured the residence and surrounding area and requested assistance from the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Bomb Disposal Team.
After bomb technicians arrived, the sheriff's office said they safely removed seven devices from the residence.
Morrone allowed deputies to search his home and car to retrieve weapons and ammunition in accordance with the order, according to his arrest report. During that search, detectives say they saw what appeared to be military-style hand grenades inside the house, prompting the sheriff's bomb squad to respond.
Deputies say seven devices appearing to be replica hand grenades were modified, and investigators say Morrone admitted to tampering with them.
After obtaining a search warrant for the home, investigators found an additional improvised explosive device, which was safely secured and removed.
"This brought the total number of improvised explosive devices recovered from the residence to eight. Investigators also located a large quantity of materials used in the construction of explosive devices," the sheriff's office said.
Investigators have not said whether any of the devices are functional.
The suspect Keith Anthony Morrone, 57, of Fort Pierce, was arrested and charged with eight counts of explosives — possessing, making or attempting to make destructive devices.
Eight firearms were also taken from the home related to the risk protection order.
Morrone is currently being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
"This investigation underscores the seriousness of what our detectives encountered and the importance of being alert to the threats around us," said Sheriff Richard Del Toro. "Our Targeted Violence Unit detectives recognized the potential danger and took immediate action, and our Bomb Disposal Team technicians put themselves in harm’s way to safely secure and remove these devices. I’m proud of their professionalism and courage, and grateful for the expertise and partnership of the FBI and ATF as we continue this investigation."
WPTV spoke with Morrone's son off camera as he was loading a truck with ammunition from inside the home. He said he does not believe his father was planning to use the devices to harm anyone.
Risk Protection Order Details
According to court records, a judge granted the risk protection order after finding reasonable cause to believe Morrone posed a significant danger to himself or others.
The document states Morrone had recently been involved in an act or threat of violence and had recently used or threatened to use a weapon. The order, filed Sept. 9, required Morrone to surrender his firearms and ammunition immediately.
The sheriff's office said the investigation remains ongoing.
