Two Arrested After Drugs and Explosive Found in RV Search

Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and an altered firework were discovered during the police operation.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Two people were arrested on Tuesday night in Grand Junction, Colorado after a search of an RV uncovered suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and an altered firework that was deemed an incendiary device. The Grand Junction Police Department executed a search warrant and contacted Landon Melquist, 45, and Katie McClaugherty inside the RV. The police called in the bomb squad to safely remove the explosive device.

Why it matters

The discovery of illegal drugs and an explosive device in a residential RV highlights ongoing public safety concerns around the proliferation of methamphetamine and other illicit substances, as well as the potential for dangerous improvised explosive materials to be present in local communities.

The details

During the search of the RV, police reportedly found suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and an altered firework that was determined to be an incendiary device. The Grand Junction Bomb Squad was called to the scene and safely removed the explosive material as evidence. Landon Melquist and Katie McClaugherty were arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to drug possession and the explosive device.

  • The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Landon Melquist

A 45-year-old individual who was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Katie McClaugherty

An individual who was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility alongside Landon Melquist.

Grand Junction Police Department

The law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant and made the arrests.

Grand Junction Bomb Squad

The specialized unit that responded to the scene and safely removed the incendiary device.

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What they’re saying

“GJPD stated it believes this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.”

— Grand Junction Police Department (westernslopenow.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and the charges against Melquist and McClaugherty are pending further review by the courts.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing the presence of illegal drugs and explosive materials in local communities, and the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to maintain public safety.