Deputies: Two men arrested after 3 pipe bombs, drugs found at Lancaster house

LANCASTER, S.C. — Two men have been arrested after authorities found pipe bombs, drugs, and a weapon in a Lancaster house, deputies said.

Deputies were called out to Converse Street last Saturday just before 1 a.m. for a report of an assault and took Edward Hamilton, 41, into custody.

Others inside the home were taken outside, and deputies said while they were clearing the house they spotted illegal drugs and paraphernalia and requested a search warrant.

From the search, deputies said they found a .380 caliber pistol believed to have been fired by Hamilton, substances deputies believed to be methamphetamine, Tramadol and Oxycodone. A small plastic box was also found in Hamilton’s bedroom with three small pipe bombs made from PVC pipe, tape, shotgun shells, fireworks, and fuses, deputies said.

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When officers found these items, they called for SLED’s bomb squad, who removed the pipe bombs, disarming two that were live, authorities said.

Hamilton was arrested and charged with several offenses including assault, drug law violations and possession of explosive devices, deputies said. His bonds total over $70,000.

Additional drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in the back bedroom believed to have been occupied by Sheena Jenkins, 35, Gary Carter, 44, Christopher Polston, 34, and Jeffrey Whitaker, 41, according to authorities. Warrants have been taken out to charge them.

Polston was arrested Friday and, at the time of his arrest, was in possession of heroin and methamphetamine, deputies said.

Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile thanked the deputies involved with the call.

“One crime quickly led to another during our investigation of this assault call. Our deputies stepped into a dangerous situation due to the presence of the pipe bombs, which were real,” Faile said. “Thankfully they recognized the danger, retreated to safety, and called for assistance to deal with the explosives. We appreciate the quick response and the expertise of SLED in removing these items and making them harmless.”

If you have information about this case, call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388 or contact Midlands Crimestoppers.