Man Arrested for Alleged Possession of Explosive Device, Firearm, Drugs

WALTON — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Walton man on charges of possession of an explosive device, drug possession, and possession of a firearm.

On Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division responded to a 911 call reporting a person threatening self-harm.  The information provided indicated that 36-year-old Gerald V. Walke, of Walton, NY, made threats to harm himself by use of a firearm.  Deputies promptly located Walke and took him into custody, transporting him to a treatment facility.

On August 7th, 2025, Investigators with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division applied to the Delaware County Supreme Court for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, requesting the removal of Walke’s right to possess rifles, shotguns, or firearms. The court subsequently granted the Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, with a provision to search for additional weapons.

On August 8th, 2025, Deputies and Investigators executed the search of Walke’s residence. During the search, Explosive Detection K-9 Edge was deployed to search the premises and alerted to multiple locations within the premises. Investigators located precursors for bomb and explosive device construction, as well as a rocket launcher and a rifle. As the search continued, Investigators found drug paraphernalia in plain sight, as well as a device believed to be a homemade explosive device. The premises were immediately evacuated, and a scene perimeter was established.

Investigators then applied to the Delaware County Court for a secondary Search Warrant, requesting an additional search of the premises for drugs and explosive devices.

Investigators contacted the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit, who responded and assisted in making the scene safe. The NYSP Bomb Disposal Unit located devices and later rendered the devices safe at the scene.

At the completion of the search, Investigators seized evidence, including controlled substances, evidence supporting intent to sell those controlled substances, a handgun, homemade explosive devices, and other evidence supporting the construction of the homemade explosive devices.

On August 11th, 2025, Investigators arrested Walke on charges of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E Felony, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, a Class D Felony, and four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th degree with intent to sell, all Class D Felonies

Walke was arraigned at the Delaware County Central Arraignment Court. Following the arraignment, Walke was remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 secured bond.

Deputies and Investigators were assisted at the scene by members of the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit, K-9 Edge, and Delaware County Emergency Services.