By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

A Massachusetts teenager arrested for possession of five pounds of dynamite is a selfproclaimed explosives enthusiast, said police. That interest may now keep the teen from military service.

Ryan Stewart, 19, of Haverhill, Mass., was arrested on Sunday, June 5, for possession of five one-pound sticks of dynamite, following a routine traffic stop in Auburn.

Auburn Police Sgt. Gary Bartis said Stewart told police he has had a long-term interest in explosives.

“He said that he has wanted to be a pyro-technician since the age of 7,” said Bartis. “He has a fascination with explosives.”

Lt. David Flight stopped the car in which Stewart was riding at the intersection of Bunker Hill Road and Chester Road after Auburn police received a call that a disturbance involving three young men was taking place in the area.

Stewart's brother, Mark, 17, was driving the car, but allegedly did not know about the dynamite in a military-style ammunition box on the floor under the back seat, said Bartis.

A 16-year-old, who was reportedly aware of the dynamite, was also riding in the car.

The New Hampshire State Police Explosives Disposal Unit arrived to remove the dynamite, which police said was very unstable due to its age.

Ryan Stewart was released on bail and was originally set to be arraigned in Auburn District Court on July 6. However, his arraignment was pushed up to June 15 because he is supposed to enter military service in the Army on June 16, said Bartis. Stewart will be arraigned on Class B felony charges, which could result in a three-and-a half- to seven-year sentence if he is convicted.

Bartis said if Stewart is convicted on felony charges, he could be discharged from the Army.

Mark Stewart faces two motor vehicle offenses but does not currently face any explosives possession charges. Bartis said police will seek a juvenile petition for the 16-year-old who was in the car with the Stewart brothers. Police say Ryan Stewart took the explosives without permission from the barn of an uncle of a friend he was visiting on June 5.

Stewart was visiting Jason Ryan at the home of Kevin McCarthy, who is Ryan's uncle, at 534 Bunker Hill Road and entered the barn to look for firewood. It was at this time he located the dynamite.

Bartis said Stewart was not licensed to have the dynamite in his possession.

"He is a smart guy, but he just made a bad decision," he said. Bartis said police are still investigating Stewart's purpose for taking the dynamite.