WILLISTON — A Williston man has been charged with Class C felony release of destructive forces in district court in Williston in connection with explosives that were found at a Williston residence this week.

Ross Michael Petrie, 28, is in custody at the Williams County Correctional Center in Williston. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance on the charges before a judge today.

According to court documents, Petrie allegedly stored large quantities of explosives within the garage of a residence in a townhouse-style residential complex resided in by more than 10 people. Authorities allege that he placed others at risk of serious bodily injury or death and could have caused substantial damage to the structure.

The Minot Bomb Squad, Bismarck Bomb Squad and North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team were called to assist the Williston Police Department in identifying some of the materials found in the garage. Some explosive materials that were seized from the building were safely detonated. Some roads were closed in Williston while the explosives were transported. Buildings that were evacuated while the bomb squads were clearing the garage remained closed to the public during the operation.