Traffic stop yields 2 bombs

By Rick Rouan

The investigation is now in the hands of the local division of the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

AUSTINTOWN — A Youngstown man could face federal charges in connection with a traffic stop that turned up two pipe bombs in the trunk of the car he was driving Thursday night.

Ralph R. Kistler IV, 20, is set to be charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous ordnance, a misdemeanor charge of inducing panic, a misdemeanor charge of drug paraphernalia and two traffic violations, said State Highway Patrol Trooper Jack Reno. He is in the Mahoning County jail.

But the investigation is now in the hands of the Youngstown division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives , according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“It comes down to a decision by the U.S. attorney and ATF together to see if someone is suitable for federal prosecution,” said Robert Miller, resident agent in charge at the Youngstown division of ATF.

ATF is investigating the incident for federal charges, but Miller would not elaborate on the criteria the federal government uses to decide on pursuing charges.

Miller would not share what the division has learned about why Kistler had the pipe bombs in his trunk.

Reno said he followed Kistler to Westchester Drive after he ran a red light on Mahoning Avenue. When he smelled suspected drugs, the trooper called for backup from the Austintown Police Department, whose dog indicated that something was in the trunk, where police found the two pipe bombs and other explosive material.

The Youngstown Bomb Squad removed the explosives and disposed of them around 9:15 p.m., officials said.

Reno said the bombs were made from galvanized steel and about a foot long.

The bombs were small as pipe bombs go, Miller said, but he would not give more details about the bombs.

Police also found a smoking pipe with suspected marijuana residue and marijuana pieces, Reno said.

rrouan@vindy.com