FBI investigating after man arrested with guns, fake IDs; chemicals found in Philadelphia home
FBI searching Philadelphia home after chemicals, fake IDs discovered
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore holds a press conference about the ongoing investigation that is unfolding at a property in Philadelphia's Olney section that drew a massive law enforcement presence on Thursday.
PHILADELPHIA - Police say a man was arrested after officers found guns with altered serial numbers, drugs, and fake IDs last week - and a subsequent search of his home turned up a large amount of chemicals.
The FBI is now helping Philadelphia police to determine what the chemicals are and if there are any public safety risks.
What we know:
Police say the investigation started last Friday, June 19, when a U.S. Park Ranger noticed a disturbance between a man and woman in a black BMW parked in the 600 block of Market Street.
Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore detailed that original encounter during a Friday afternoon press conference, noting that the ranger heard the woman say, "you're going to hurt me." During a search of the vehicle, police discovered that the man, 44-year-old Eugene Horsch, had fake DEA credentials, a switchblade and two guns with serial numbers scratched off.
According to police, the woman in the car also had an ID with the name of a missing person, but her own photo. Officers say they are not releasing the missing person's name until the family is notified.
Police say the investigation led them to a home in the 400 block of West Chew Avenue in Olney, where they served a warrant and found another gun, ammunition, narcotics and signs of a possible marijuana grow operation. Officers also found chemicals in bottles, a 55-gallon drum with hoses, and other materials that raised concerns.
Horsch was charged with weapons and drug offenses. He is a convicted felon and is not allowed to have guns, according to police.
Eugene Horsch, 44, was arrested on June 19, 2026, on the 600 block of Market St. He was charged with Possession, Possession with the Intent to Deliver, and multiple VUFA violations. | Philadelphia Police Department
Officers say more than 120 pieces of ballistic evidence and other false federal IDs were found, along with computers that are being analyzed.
Dig deeper:
Police say there is no current danger to the community, as the chemicals are separated and being guarded by officers until experts can remove them safely.
"There's no danger at this point," said police.
The FBI and experts from Quantico are now involved to test the chemicals and determine if they could be used to make explosives or drugs.
During Friday's press conference, Deputy Commissioner Vanore fielded multiple questions regarding rumors on social media about bodies being found in or near the property.
"There's no apparent bodies inside the house. No. Not bodies that I could see in the house," Vanore said.
Officers did find urns, but at least one was labeled with a family member's name.
Police say the home is considered a crime scene due to the guns, drugs and false IDs. The homicide unit is involved because of their experience, not because there is evidence of a killing, Vanore said Friday.
Police say the suspect was living in the house.
Officers say the man has a criminal record, including a recent assault charge involving a stabbing. Police say there have been calls to the house in the past for disturbances and noise, but nothing that stood out.
Police are analyzing computers and evidence to see if there is any connection to other missing persons, but so far, there is no evidence of other missing people linked to the house.
What we don't know:
Police say they do not yet know what the chemicals were intended for, if they were meant to make drugs or explosives. The identity of the missing person whose name was used on the ID has not been released.
Investigators are still analyzing evidence and searching the home and have not determined the full scope of the case.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Police Department.