Domestic violence, incident leads to discovery of military grade weaponry

Imperial County, CA - On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Imperial County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a residence north of Niland on Hot Mineral Spa Road following a domestic violence incident. The victim, who had minor injuries, declined medical treatment and received information and resources for victims of domestic violence.

The suspect, Buck Blevins, born on February 13, 1980, fled the scene before deputies arrived. During a subsequent search of the residence, deputies uncovered a shocking discovery – military Grade weaponry, including bomb parts, grenades, and live ammunition.

In response to this hazardous find, deputies engaged base personnel from Camp Billy Machen, bomb squad experts from the Imperial County Fire Department, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists from the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma.

The search yielded gunpowder, explosive material, detonation cord, blasting caps, and several firearms. The Imperial County Sheriff's Office, along with the assistance of EOD specialists, is diligently processing the scene to ensure the safe disposal of military ordnance and explosive materials.

For public safety, authorities urge residents to avoid the area during the investigation. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Buck Blevins, they are urged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 442-265-2021.

The Imperial County Sheriff's Office expresses gratitude to all participating agencies for their collaborative efforts in this case, emphasizing the commitment to keeping communities safe. The ongoing investigation underscores the intersection of domestic incidents with unexpected and potentially dangerous discoveries, highlighting the complex nature of law enforcement challenges.