A routine traffic stop for a stolen vehicle in California last month led Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies to uncover a cache of illegal firearms, explosives, and bomb-making materials at a residence this week, officials announced Thursday.
The investigation began on June 8 when deputies located a stolen vehicle near Glenoaks Road and Pratt Road in Temecula at approximately 8:14 a.m. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Brandon Edwards of Homeland, was detained during the stop. A search of the vehicle revealed four firearms — both rifles and handguns — along with a large amount of ammunition and firearm suppressors. Edwards was arrested on charges related to vehicle theft and weapons possession.
A deeper investigation revealed that Edwards was allegedly engaged in the illegal manufacture and sale of firearms. On July 16, deputies executed a search warrant at Edwards property on the 25000 block of Rocky Ridge Road in Homeland. Inside, they discovered dozens of additional illegal firearms, ammunition, explosive-making materials, and several homemade improvised explosive devices that were in the process of being assembled.
Due to the presence of hazardous materials, the Riverside Sheriffs Hazardous Device Team was called in to secure and remove the explosive devices.
Authorities say Edwards is now facing additional charges, including possession of illegal weapons, criminal threats, and possession of bomb-making materials. He remains in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center without bail.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information related to the case to contact Deputy Richard Schweitzer at 951-696-3063.
