Convicted felon found with live explosives, guns, drugs near Covington Police Department

COVINGTON, KY. (WXIX) - Local and federal authorities are investigating after a convicted felon from Frankfort, Kentucky, was arrested near the Covington Police Department when officers found live explosives, guns and drugs in his vehicle Thursday night.

Andrew Oliver, 39, is held at the Kenton County jail on one count of possession of a destructive or booby trap device, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count each of trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, court records show.

Covington police discovered there were two outstanding warrants for Oliver’s arrest: for burglary and theft and another for driving on a revoked or suspended operator’s license.

Covington Assistant Police Chief Justin Wietholter confirmed to FOX19 NOW officers on patrol saw Oliver leave a known drug house on Donaldson Avenue at about 9:30 p.m. and get into a vehicle parked outside.

But he didn’t turn it on and leave, so after a few minutes of observing, the officers approached.

They saw suspected marijuana and methamphetamine in plain view, so they had Oliver exit the vehicle.

Officers searched it and found a canister that contained what the officers suspected were explosive devices, a suppressed AR pistol, two handguns, a large quantity of the suspected marijuana, and about an ounce of the suspected methamphetamine, according to Wietholter.

Kenton County Emergency Management was contacted, and a “code red” notification was sent out to residents in the area.

The Louisville Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Cincinnati Bomb Squad also responded to assist.

The bomb squad secured the devices, which ultimately were determined to be one fragmentation grenade, one smoke grenade, one hand grenade simulator, one trip flare, two riot control CS gas grenades and one multi-purpose firing device (initiating switch), Wietholter said.

“ATF is assisting Covington Police Department with an investigation involving unlawful possession of firearms and explosives devices, including grenades,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division.

“This case is especially concerning given the potential for destruction in our community. “With our partners at the Covington Police Department, we will continue to ensure the public is safe and those responsible will be held accountable under the law.”

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