The Moorestown police department responded to an incident over the weekend of June 7 that required the services of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Bomb Unit.
A preliminary investigation revealed that an underage Moorestown resident created homemade explosive materials considered Improvised Explosive Device materials (IED) by the bomb unit. Police received a tip that homemade materials were exploded by an underage resident visiting a friend on Cove Road. The materials were allegedly brought there by an underage male from the 400 block of East Oak Avenue who subsequently left the materials at the Cove Road residence.
The bomb unit, NJSP’s hazardous Materials Response Unit and the Burlington County Hazardous Waste Department found the materials and removed them. Due to its volatility, the material was detonated at the nearby public works yard.
Bomb technicians subsequently searched the East Oak Avenue resident’s home, where they found more explosive materials. They were detonated on the scene, and nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution.
The suspect is a senior at Moorestown High School who was previously reported to be underage, but he turned 18 earlier this month. As of June 10, police have not released his name, but prosecutors recommended at least two criminal charges as of June 9: causing or risking widespread injury or damage and possessing a prohibited weapon or device.
The preliminary investigation did not find the suspect created the materials with any targeted or premeditated future action. Federal officials collected samples the East Oak residence that are currently en route to a lab for further analysis.
The investigation is ongoing, and the prosecutor’s office is reviewing all information to determine criminal charges. No other identified threats or locations are being further investigated.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Moorestown detectives at (856) 234-8300.
