ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — Maryland State Fire Marshal officials said deputies detonated explosives connected to a 20-year-old stalking case.
State Fire Marshal and Howard County Police officials said the explosives were found by a person passing-by a wooded area of Linganore in Frederick County Sunday. Deputy State Fire Marshals responded to the scene and found a container filled with bomb-making materials, a loaded handgun and documents connecting the devices to Alan Chmurny.
Authorities said Chmurny, who once lived about a half-mile from the scene, committed suicide nearly 20 years ago by ingesting cyanide after being convicted of assault in a stalking case in Howard County.
“We are glad that these dangerous materials were discovered and could be destroyed safely,” said State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci. “It was quite a surprise to learn they were connected to an old criminal stalking case in which a woman could have been seriously harmed.”
In 2000, Chmurny was charged with pouring mercury into the vents of a co-worker’s car as part of a long-term stalking case that culminated with his arrest. Officials said the victim was not physically harmed.
Personnel from the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Frederick County Fire Marshal's Office, United Fire Company and FBI assisted in the call. No one was injured in the discovery or detonation of the devices.
