Explosive device found in sailor's Peninsula home

WILLIAMSBURG

A Navy corpsman was being held without bond after police say they discovered bomb-making materials at his home on New Year’s Eve.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Robert Yengel, 36, was charged with manufacturing and possession of an explosive device and assault and battery. He was being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

James City County police were called to the 800 block of Vail Ridge on Dec. 31 for a report of a domestic assault, according to a news release. While on the scene, police learned about the possibility of a military hand grenade being in the home.

The James City County Fire Marshal’s Office and explosive ordnance disposal personnel from Yorktown Naval Weapons Station responded about 6 p.m. and found bomb-making materials and one partially completed improvised explosive device. Materials found included smokeless gun powder, military heat tablets, pieces of iron pipe with end caps, and copper wire. A timing device and wiring were attached, but there was no explosive filler or a power source connected, the news release said.

Police evacuated two adjoining residences and all of the hazardous materials and devices were removed from the home.

Yengel is stationed at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station’s health clinic, said Deborah Kallgren, a spokeswoman for Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. According to his Navy personnel file, Yengel has worked at that base since November 2009. Prior to that, he was assigned to a Navy cargo handling battalion in Williamsburg.