Deputies find explosive materials, drugs, and more after responding to domestic disturbance

DEBARY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The Volusia County Sheriff's Office says that a domestic disturbance on Sunday afternoon in a DeBary home led to the discovery of several potentially explosive devices and substances, prompting a bomb squad to work through the night into Monday morning.

Deputies, detectives, Hazmat units, fire officials, and members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were reportedly on scene for more than 13 hours after the initial disturbance call  was made. During the initial call is when they found a grenade in the back yard.

Police say deputies arrived at the residence around 4:11 p.m. Sunday in response to an argument between 31-year-old Christopher S. Langer and his parents. During the argument, an intoxicated Langer told his parents he had put an explosive substance inside the grenade.

When a deputy asked Langer about the grenade, Langer reportedly denied its existence. However, he then acknowledged he had thrown it outside and he offered to show the deputy where it was. 

Upon searching the area, a deputy reportedly found a metal pineapple-style grenade with a paperclip in place to hold the lever and keep it from exploding.

A search warrant was pursued and resulted in the discovery of an estimated 200 containers inside the house containing unknown powders, acids, and other materials says police. Many of them have been determined not to be bomb-making materials but bodily fluids.

A bomb robot also discovered a small explosive device and a second possible explosive device was found in a lunchbox, says police.

Some neighboring homes were reportedly evacuated early in the call, but those residents returned home Sunday evening.

Langer was charged with making/possessing a destructive device and was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he was being held Sunday morning on $5,000 bail. Additional charges are pending.

In a news conference Monday morning, Sheriff Chitwood unveiled several new details.

Chitwood said that Langer told deputies that he wanted to use the explosives against first-responders.

Chitwood also said that Langer had a drug problem. He had previously been saved by Narcan. Marijuana and mushrooms were found growing in his home.

You can see part of the news conference below.