Suspicious object set on fire in Dover community, police investigating

DOVER, Del. – Dover Police are investigating after a suspicious object was reportedly set on fire in the Cannon Mills community early Monday morning.

According to police, the incident happened shortly before 1 a.m., at the traffic circle located at East Sheldrake Circle and Cannon Mill Drive. As police and the Dover Fire Department arrived on scene, they found an object in the roadway. The fire department extinguished the object, and officers investigated 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 EOD unit was able to render the object safe and determined that it was a pipe stuffed with rags and wrapped with clothing material. Additional evidence including a bottle of lighter fluid was located nearby.

There were no reported injuries. Officers were in the area until approximately 3:30 a.m.

Anyone that may have information on this incident is asked to contact Dover PD at 302-736-7111 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.