WALDO, WI (WHBL) - The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department is investigating what caused an explosion at a Waldo home on Saturday, February 20, which led to the discovery of firework-making materials and the arrest of the homeowner.
42-year-old Daniel Shilts Jr. is in custody for violating parole as deputies responded to his home at 720 West Second Street in the village around 4:45 p.m. Saturday. Sheriff's Lieutenant Chad Broeren says when law enforcement arrived they noticed there were several front porch windows broken with their glass blown out, and Shilts cleaning up the glass.
Shilts reportedly said there was a welding accident that caused the explosion, but an initial investigation by deputies found evidence of materials to make explosives and fireworks, along with unknown chemicals.
Broeren says the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Bomb Squad was called in Saturday evening to begin assisting in the investigation. It was decided that they would continue to investigate Sunday morning when there would be more sunlight to assist them. At that time, the scene was considered secure and no danger to neighbors.
At 10 a.m. Sunday the Bomb Squad, the sheriff's department, the county's Emergency Government Director, the Waldo Fire Department, the ATF, the 54th Civil Support Team of the National Guard, and Orange Cross Ambulance resume the investigation. At that time the neighboring homes were evacuated as a large amount of firework-making materials and other unidentified chemicals were removed from the home. Broeren adds Veolia North America is assisting in the disposal of the materials.
The search and investigation into the matter continues.
As for Shilts, who was unhurt in the initial explosion, Broeren says it is unknown if he will face additional charges from the state or the federal government. He does have a criminal past with explosive materials. He was currently on parole for a 2008 criminal case where he was convicted for being in possession of a large amount of explosive chemicals. He was also convicted of bail jumping in 2012 for violating his parole when he again was found with large amounts of firework-making chemicals.