Explosives found in North Side home of man facing eviction, deputies say
Franklin County [Ohio] deputies seeking to evict a man from his North Side [Columbus] home yesterday say they found five explosive devices inside the house.
In rambling writings on the walls and ceilings of his house at 917 Carolyn Ave., Mark A. Kulis claimed to be a “sovereign citizen,” believing he isn’t obligated to pay taxes or follow most laws, said Sheriff Zach Scott.
Also scribbled on his walls were names of politicians, including President Barack Obama and [Ohio] Gov. John Kasich.
Deputies waited until Kulis left his home yesterday morning to deliver eviction papers, Scott said. They decided not to confront Kulis at his home because they had received word that he could be dangerous, Scott said.
When deputies went to the home, there also was a probate warrant pending for Kulis, ordering him to be taken to NetCare for mental-health treatment.
When deputies got inside Kulis’ home, they found four explosive devices in a bedroom closet. The oven also was booby-trapped with an explosive, Scott said.
The Franklin County bomb squad was called to detonate the devices, which was completed safely. Several houses around the property were evacuated during the process.
Kulis, 55, was found with a loaded Colt .38-caliber revolver when he was arrested around 8 a.m. about a half-mile from his house at a car wash at Oakland Park Avenue and Maize Road, according to a complaint filed in Franklin County Municipal Court. He is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and manufacturing dangerous ordnance, both felonies, Scott said.
He was in the Franklin County jail last night and is scheduled to make his first appearance in court this morning.
