Williston police department removes nearly 1,500 lbs of explosives from apartment garage

(Williston, ND) -- Authorities say the last of the explosive materials found in a Williston apartment earlier this week were safely detonated late Friday afternoon.  

The news comes after police were called to The Retreat Apartments Monday on a report that a man, later identified as 28-year-old Ross Petrie, was operating a drug lab. A search of Petrie's garage allegedly found an explosives manufacturing facility instead, and roughly 1,500 lbs of explosives. Experts have been safely disposing of those explosives since then.  

In the process of the investigation, the apartment was cleared to protect other building residents. Authorities say if the explosives would have destroyed the garage and the entire complex if they were to explode.

An investigation is still ongoing. Petrie remains in custody.