Explosive charges

Helen and Clifton Murphy “pretty much kept to themselves.” That was how neighbors described a Paradise couple who were arrested on Valentine’s Day on charges of possession of assault weapons and explosive materials.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Derek Bell said the Butte County Interagency Bomb Squad received a tip from FBI Homeland Security, and a search warrant was issued. The Murphys, contacted while in their vehicle parked outside their Melody Lane residence, were reportedly in possession of a Glock .45 hand gun.

Helen Murphy, 55, was charged with possession of a concealed firearm, assault weapons and explosive materials and booked into the Butte County Jail on $190,000 bail. Clifton Murphy, 50, was charged with possession of assault weapons and explosive materials and jailed on $165,000 bail.

Bell said there is some information as to the couple’s intentions, but he couldn’t share it because of the ongoing investigation.