Police are investigating the death of a man found inside a New Britain Township home full of explosive chemicals, fireworks, ammunition and guns.
Investigators say Christopher Kanter, 34, a software programmer, was found dead by his girlfriend this morning around 9:30 a.m. The woman told police she found Kanter lying on the kitchen floor inside the house on 71 Barry Road. Investigators say Kanter was unresponsive and appeared to have been dead for several hours.
While investigating his death, New Britain Township Police Chief Robert Scafidi tells NBC10 he found military equipment inside his home. He began to ask Kanter's girlfriend several questions.
"It aroused my curiosity," said Chief Scafidi. "I asked her if there were any explosives in the house. She replied, 'yes, they were in the basement.'"
Police uncovered a cache of explosive chemicals, ammunition, firearms and even a military-grade rocket launcher. Investigators say the chemicals included picric acid, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrite and zinc, according to the Philly Burbs. Police also told the Philly Burbs they found what they believe to be legal fireworks.
The Philly Burbs reports Barry Road was closed for most of the day as crews removed the explosive materials. A bomb squad and ATF agents detonated the explosives in three rounds, sending a cloud of toxic smoke into the sky.
While neighbors knew Kanter for mainly shooting fireworks, one neighbor told NBC10 she threatened him about six times that she would call police if he didn't stop firing his weapons.
"He would climb up a tree and fire the guns," said Patty Kosluk.
Police don't believe Kanter's death had anything to do with the explosives. Instead they say he may have died from cardiac arrest or a prescription drug overdose. An autopsy will determine his exact cause of death. ATF agents are currently investigating whether the explosives found inside his house were merely part of a hobby or something more sinister.
