Oregon Man Held Pending Trial After Weapon and Explosive Device Charges

OREGON — A 33-year-old Oregon man remains in custody following a pretrial detention hearing Friday after Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of gunshots and a possible domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of West Indian Heights Drive on June 4. Authorities said Alec Rutherford was taken into custody after deputies arrived and found him armed with a loaded pistol and an explosive device. Nearby residents were evacuated, access to the subdivision was closed, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called to the scene. Investigators later determined Rutherford had been home alone, and additional firearms were recovered from the residence. Rutherford was charged with possession of an explosive device with intent to commit a felony, reckless discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon. Following a pretrial detention hearing on June 5, a judge ordered that he remain in custody while the case proceeds. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending. Rutherford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.