A deputy from the Bucks County Sheriff's Office was assisting a work crew with clearing old ammunition from the basement of a vacant home, on behalf of a Sellersville resident. The home has been vacant for an extended period of time, as the homeowner currently resides in an assisted living facility. While doing this, the deputy discovered homemade explosive devices among the ammunition and military memorabilia items.
Perkasie Police officers arrived, observed the devices, and summoned officers from the Philadelphia Police Bomb Disposal Unit.
Based upon the nature of the devices and their location within a safe in the basement of the home, Bomb Disposal Unit officers felt that evacuating surrounding homes, schools, and business was not warranted. The nearby daycare center, business, and homeowners were promptly notified of the situation.
Hazardous Device Technicians secured four homemade explosive devices.
Though homemade in nature, these devices appeared to be of similar explosive capacity to an M-80 commercial firework. Bomb Unit personnel will analyze the items to verify if the items contained actual explosives.
The investigation as to appropriate charges is ongoing.
