Pierce County man with M-80 explosives, stolen firearm, and drugs arrested after fleeing deputies
Jul 8, 2025, 8:58 AM | Updated: 10:42 am
A photo of Pierce County Sheriff's Office deputies during the arrest of the 42-year-old suspect. (Photo courtesy of Pierce County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of Pierce County Sheriff's Office)
A 42-year-old male armed with an explosive device and a stolen firearm was arrested after an on-foot pursuit with Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies, the department announced.
The encounter occurred on July 1 at approximately 5 p.m., when deputies noticed a suspicious male loitering in an abandoned bank with clear “No Trespassing” signage nearby.
Explosive device encounter in Pierce County
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Upon the suspect’s apprehension, PCSO deputies explained that the man had an outstanding warrant, which prompted him to flee through the bushes, behind a building, and across a parking lot, where he eventually tripped on a curb and was placed in custody.
The suspect later claimed, “I’m not under arrest.”
The suspect had a warrant issued by the Fircrest Police Department, and there was probable cause to arrest the man for trespassing.
During the arrest, Pierce County deputies discovered a firearm, which was later deemed stolen, and the suspect was clutching onto drugs while deputies placed handcuffs on him, and were quickly seized.
Following the suspect’s arrest, deputies searched the contents of the man’s backpack and uncovered illegal fireworks, identified as explosives by PCSO.
“It is very important for the public to understand that items like M-80s, sparkler bombs, and tennis ball bombs are considered explosives under the law and not fireworks,” PCSO stated. “Making, using, or possessing them is a felony, and we do arrest for them.”
The suspect will face several charges, including:
- Possession of Stolen Property
- Unlawful Possession of Drugs
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of an Explosive Device
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Criminal Trespassing
“The original M-80 was a pyrotechnic simulator used for military training decades ago and contained about 3 grams of explosive powder,” PCSO wrote. “This is way over the legal limit, and it is defined as an explosive, not a firework.”
The M-80 was banned for unlicensed use nationwide in 1966, considered to be explosive devices, not fireworks, and is illegal on and off reservations under state and federal law.
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