MONROE — Illinois State Police announced they arrested a Pecatonica man on cannabis growing and explosives charges.

According to officials, on March 1, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Stateline Area Narcotics Team, known as SLANT, arrested 36-year-old David J. Vowels of Pecatonica, IL, on one count of possession of cannabis 30-500 grams with intent to deliver, a Class 3 Felony, one count of production of 5-10 Cannabis Plants, a Class 4 felony; and one count of explosives or incendiary devices, a class 1 Felony in Illinois. 

The move followed an early morning search by agents of SLANT — along with an ISP SWAT team, and troopers from ISP Troop 1 — at a residence in the 600 block of Valley View Drive.

“Once the residence was secured, SLANT agents conducted a thorough search of the residence,” said a press release from the ISP. “During the course of the search, agents observed a possible explosive device and additional bomb making material.”

That’s when the search was halted and local experts with the US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Technicians responded. The suspected explosive device was successfully “disassembled,” police said, and the search resumed. As a result, authorities seized over 400 grams of cannabis, cannabis plants, and two firearms. Vowels was taken to the Winnebago County Jail but has since been released on $25,000 bond, officials said.

SLANT includes police agencies from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Green County Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Belvidere Police Department, Rockford Police Department, Loves Park Police Department, Freeport Police Department; and Monroe Police Department.