FIFE, Wash. — Police in the City of Fife say a tip led to the seizure of multiple guns and an explosive device last month, and now the case is going to federal court.
The defendant Brady Eltz brought his car to an auto shop in October when an employee noticed multiple weapons inside. Police say many of the guns were stolen.
"Those type of weapons being in the possession of one individual is alarming,” said Fife Police Assistant Chief Aaron Gardner.
Eltz was scheduled to be in federal court on Wednesday afternoon, but that was postponed.
Police received a call about Eltz on Oct. 4 after he brought his vehicle to a local auto glass shop to replace the rear window.
"As the employee started doing the work to fix that window, it uncovered a stash of weapons in the back of the trunk,” said Gardner.
As officers responded, they say Eltz exited the shop's bathroom. He was arrested and a search of the facilities led to more weapons found.
"Two handguns, one of those handguns was equipped with a switch which effectively turns it into an automatic weapon,” said Gardner.
The vehicle was towed to the Criminal Justice Center where officers executed a search warrant. In addition to multiple weapons and magazines, they say they found a large explosive device.
"Everybody had to pick up and leave,” Gardner said.
At the municipal court, the police department, and public works, everyone moved out while the bomb squad moved in to investigate.
"They assisted us in making that device safe,” said Gardner. "We took a lot of high-powered illegal weapons. off the street, and it was really because of the due diligence and the awareness of those employees at that business."
Eltz could appear in court as early as Thursday.