“WE GOT HIM,” the Palmer Township Police Department Crimewatch website reads.

The website further reads, “We have identified and arrested who we have dubbed, the ‘GRUVER BOMBER.’

“During the past several months, the Palmer Township Police Department has been investigating reports of numerous explosions around Hackett and Greenhill Avenues within Palmer Township. The department’s criminal investigation division was able to identify a suspect using several investigative methods and tips from the public.

“On Sept. 12, detectives executive a search of the suspect’s residence in Upper Macungie Township. During the search, several neighbors needed to be evacuated until the residence was deemed safe.”

Detectives allegedly located numerous chemical substances used to make explosives during the search.

Also located were several items used to construct the explosives to include fuses, cardboard tubing, PVC tubing and projectiles used in the explosives.

Officers also discovered 10 firearms along with several parts and tools to construct “Ghost” guns.

“The suspect having already been a convicted felon is not permitted to possess these firearms,” the website states.

As a result of this investigation, detectives arrested and charged Ronald Erney, 58, of Fogelsville, Sept. 12 with the following alleged charges.

In relation to the explosions in Palmer Township, Erney was charged in Northampton County with:

·Seven counts of possession of explosive or incendiary materials or devices, felony in the third degree.

·Seven counts of disorderly conduct, misdemeanor in the third degree.

In relation to the search warrant executed in Upper Macungie Township, Erney was charged in Lehigh County with:

·One count of weapons of mass destruction, felony in the second degree.

·One count of possession of explosive or incendiary materials or devices, felony in the third degree.

·Ten counts of firearms not to possess, felony in the second degree.

Erney has been arraigned and committed to Northampton County Prison with bail set at $50,000.

Erney will additionally be arraigned for the department’s charges in Lehigh County.

“The Palmer Township Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance along with the Upper Macungie Township Police Department, both the City of Allentown and City of Bethlehem Bomb Squads, the ATF, the City of Allentown Paramedics and the Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company for their assistance during this investigation.”

According to Northampton County court records, Erney’s preliminary hearing is scheduled 10:30 a.m. Sept. 26 before Magisterial District Judge Alicia Rose Zito, Bangor.

According to Lehigh County court records, Erney was scheduled to go Sept. 15 before Magisterial District Judge Michael J. Faulkner, Upper Macungie Township.