Dover Police Investigating Suspicious Object Set on Fire in Cannon Mills Community

Incident Number: 50-21-25841

Date/Time:  Monday, August 30th, 2021 at 12:49 a.m.

Location: East Sheldrake Circle at Cannon Mill Drive, Dover, DE (Cannon Mills)

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative:

At approximately 12:49 a.m. on Monday, August 30th, the Dover Police Department responded to the traffic circle located at East Sheldrake Circle and Cannon Mill Drive for a reported fire in the area.  As officers and the Dover Fire Department arrived on scene, they located an object on fire in the roadway.  After the fire department extinguished the object, officers observed the item and believed it was possibly a pipe bomb.  Nearby residents were evacuated and the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was notified.  The Delaware State Police EOD Unit was able to render the object safe and determined it was a pipe that was stuffed with rags and wrapped with clothing material.  Additional evidence, including a bottle of lighter fluid, was located nearby and collected by investigating officers.  No injuries resulted from the incident.  Officers were in the area until approximately 3:30 a.m.  

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111.  Callers may remain anonymous.  Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.