Suspect of Thursday hit-and-run in custody, explosive devices found at Swisher home

A suspect of the Thursday afternoon hit-and-run, which led to officers finding explosives at a Swisher home, is now in custody.

According to a news release, Lance Edmund Degen, 24, of Swisher was taken into custody Sunday in connection with the incidents that occurred in North Liberty and Swisher on Thursday.

According to a media release from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, at roughly 1:30 p.m. the North Liberty Police Department was called to a hit-and-run accident where a driver reportedly displayed a firearm and left the scene.

Following this incident, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office attempted 'a short time later” to contact the suspect at a residence at 325 Division St. SW in Swisher, according to a release.

The North Liberty Police obtained a search warrant for the residence and during the search of the premises officers discovered three suspected 'homemade explosive devices.” The Johnson County Metro Bomb Team responded to the scene, removing the explosive devices from the home, and transported them to a gravel road where they were 'rendered safe,” according to the release.

Degen has been charged with Carrying Weapons, Assault While Displaying A Dangerous Weaopn, and Possession Of An Explosive or Incendiary Device.

These charges are aggravated misdemeanors, punishable by up to 6 years in prison. His bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety. He will make an initial court appearance Monday, June 18th.