The situation on the east side of Hutchinson is under control and those residents evacuated as a precaution were allowed to go home just after 5:30 p-m.

For most of the day, the area just east of K-61, 3rd Street was closed to Porter. Hoagland was also blocked south of 4th Street after Hutchinson Haz-Mat crews had to respond to a situation in which 46-year-old Michael Ahlstedt mixed several chemicals together creating a dangerous situation inside his residence. He also indicated that there may be explosive devices inside the residence leading to the Wichita Bomb Squad being brought in.

Hutchinson Fire Inspector, L-D Peevyhouse says the bomb squad didn’t locate any devices, however did find a package of some sort that they checked, but turned it to be nothing. Once the bomb squad was done, then it was simple enough for the Haz-Mat crew to get rid of the chemicals. Peevyhouse says they were using lime, and we’re done around 5:30 p-m, allowing those who had been evacuated from that immediate area to go back home.

Police say it started around 9 p-m, Monday night when Michael Ahlstedt of 1415 East 3rd, was taken into custody for possession of stolen property regarding a stolen vehicle out of Wichita. He bonded out and later called police and reported that someone entered his residence and poured chemicals throughout the house and on a vehicle parked in the front yard. Police then entered the home around 2 a-m Tuesday morning, and discovered the chemicals. The Haz-mat team of the Hutchinson Fire Department was then called in, that was around 8 a-m. It was at that point, the it was decided that residents of the immediate area needed to be evacuated.

Then came another concern when Ahlstedt told investigators that he may have explosive devices inside the residence. Out of concern for the fireman and neighborhood safety, the Wichita Bomb Squad was called in. But, again after a search lasting a good part of the afternoon, nothing was found.

Ahlstedt was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for observation, after he had bonded on the felony theft charge.

No word on what Ahlstedt’s intentions may have been or if he intended to harm anyone with the chemicals.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he will have to see what the reports from Police and Fire say before he decides what, if any additional charges will be filed.