The Maine State Police SWAT Team and Portland Bomb Squad responded to execute a high-risk search warrant in South Portland on Wednesday and arrested a man on explosive charges.
The South Portland Police Department responded with the SWAT team to execute a search warrant at 65 Florence Street, a single-family home.
During the warrant execution, detectives allegedly discovered black powder and a suspicious, unidentified substance that prompted them to contact the Portland Bomb Squad and the South Portland Fire Department.
As authorities evaluated the substances, the surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Police arrested John Flumerfelt, 40, the home’s only resident, and charged him with criminal use of explosives, with additional charges related to firearm offenses under investigation.
He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail.
Police have since determined that there is no ongoing threat to the community, and surrounding residents were allowed to return to their homes.
It is not clear from the press release why the warrant was initially secured or how it was assessed to be a high-risk warrant prior to its execution.
