BURRILLVILLE – Prosecutors are challenging a judge’s decision to release a Burrillville man who was arrested last week after police seized an arsenal of 211 guns from his home.
On Monday, Magistrate Judge Patricia Sullivan was prepared to release Ronald Andruchuk, 37, on the condition that he be electronically monitored and stay away from gun stores. Andruchuk was arrested following a recent disturbance at his Tarkiln Road home – the ninth in recent months, according to police.
Officers responded to Andruchuk’s residence, which he shares with his wife and three young children, last Thursday, after neighbors complained that he was firing weapons on the property. Police seized the guns, along with pounds of ammunition, and he was charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, making false statements in an application to purchase firearms, and causing false records to be kept by a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Hebert has challenged Sullivan’s decision on the planned release, pointing to concerns for the safety of Andruchuk’s family and the community. Herbert said the judge’s conditions of release are impractical, according to reports from the proceedings, pointing to, “his secretive behavior and his clear willingness to ignore the law and law enforcement.”
At the time of the arrest, Andruchuk was reportedly wearing what he referred to as his “battle belt,” containing a combat knife, four handguns, ammunition and a plastic baggie that later tested positive for methamphetamine
According to Burrillville Police Col Stephen Lynch, the basement of the home held more firepower than most police departments, and Andruchuk did not know where the rounds were going from a makeshift shooting range on the property.
Andruchuk will remain in prison until a hearing on his release, which has been scheduled for Thursday, March 3.
