PORT ANGELES — Formal charges are expected to be filed later this week against a 51-year-old Port Angeles man alleged to have threatened his girlfriend with a pipe bomb.
Joseph P. Ciochon was arrested Tuesday for investigation of intimidation or harassment with an explosive device after he was discharged from Olympic Medical Center for a gunshot wound.
The bail for Ciochon was set at $20,000 during his first appearance in the Clallam County Superior Court Wednesday.
He remained in custody in the Clallam County jail Wednesday. His next court appearance is set for 1 p.m. Friday.
Police Chief Terry Gallagher said Wednesday that Ciochon had allegedly verbally threatened his girlfriend with the device.
The Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office didn’t file formal charges Wednesday because the full police report had not been completed, said Prosecuting Attorney Deb Kelly.
Kelly said charges will be filed before the 72-hour hold expires.
If charges are not filed within three days after his arrest, Ciochon would have to be released from custody.
Ciochon told police he accidentally shot himself in his right leg with a .44-caliber handgun Tuesday morning.
One of his roommates said that he was cleaning the gun at the time.
Police, while investigating the shooting, were told about the pipe bomb and alleged threat, Gallagher said.
An explosive device was found at his home at 309 W. Forest Ave., in Port Angeles.
Police on Tuesday evacuated the adjacent homes and blocked road access nearby until the State Patrol’s bomb squad disposed of the pipe bomb.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
