Man charged after investigation uncovers "laboratory" of chemicals, drugs and guns in Olney home, police say
A man was arrested and charged for carrying a fake federal law enforcement badge, possessing guns with "obliterated" serial numbers and stockpiling dangerous chemicals inside his home in Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood, police say.
The Drug Enforcement Administration first responded to the home on the 400 block of West Chew Avenue Thursday afternoon for an investigation of a person who was allegedly forging government documents.
Investigators returned to the home Friday to search for possible human remains, but none were found at the property, police say.
However, investigators did uncover what they described as a "laboratory" of chemicals inside a home owned by 44-year-old Eugene Horsch. The FBI's Major Case Team from Quantico, Virginia, is working to identify and catalogue the chemical inventory. Officials said the chemicals could be dangerous if mixed.
The investigation began June 19 on Independence Mall when police said a park ranger noticed something suspicious involving Horsch and his girlfriend while they were parked near 6th and Market streets.
Authorities investigated and found that Horsch was carrying a fake DEA badge, a switchblade and two guns with obliterated serial numbers. The woman was found with identification belonging to a woman reported missing in 2023, which she claims to have obtained from Horsch.
Given the evidence, along with the timing of last week's World Cup match and Horsch's presence on Independence Mall, authorities said they had significant concerns and secured multiple warrants.
A search of Horsch's home, which had boarded-up windows and multiple security cameras, uncovered numerous hidden spaces containing dangerous chemicals, a 55-gallon drum connected to hoses and other piping, a small marijuana operation, and 120 pieces of ballistic evidence, authorities said.
It is unclear what the chemicals and 55-gallon drum were being used for.
For now, Horsch faces weapons and drug charges.
Police have not released the name of a missing woman they were searching for because investigators are still notifying her family.
Philly homicide detectives are leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI, police say.
