Ford County Sheriff’s Police report the arrest of a 34-year-old man for aggravated assault and weapons charges.  James Watterson was arrested Saturday after a warrant was issued, according to Sheriff Chad Johnson. Sheriff Jonson said in a press release, Watterson had allegedly threatened police officers, their families and others.  The execution of the warrant led to the discovery of ammunition and other explosive devises on Watterson's property.

After Watterson was arrested, law enforcement conducted a search of Watterson’s property authorized by a judge in connection to the assault case. That search turned up a gun and “numerous rounds of ammunition,” along with “suspicious” devices.

The discovery of the devices prompted Sheriff Johnson to call the University of Illinois Police Bomb Squad for assistance. After the devices were examined and documented, Johnson said it was determined the best course of action was to detonate them on site.  No injury was reported.

94.1 WGFA