***UPDATE***

Dover-The Delaware State Police as well as the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office are conducting an investigation into suspicious items located within a storage shed in the back yard of a residence in the 1400 block of Lockmeath Way in Dover, DE.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. this afternoon, the Delaware State Police along with officers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) were told to respond to the residence after a neighbor had discovered what appeared to be suspicious chemicals inside of two ammunition boxes while cleaning out a shed on the property. The subject who discovered the items then immediately reported the discovery at the Department of Homeland Security Office in Dover, who in turn contacted the 9-1-1 call center.

Upon inspection of the chemicals, which were consistent with the manufacturing of explosive devices, by the Delaware State Police and DNREC it was determined that that chemicals could pose a danger to the public. It was at this point that Lockmeath Way between Peachtree Run Road and Voshells Mill Pond - Star Hill Road were closed and the surrounding area evacuated until the situation could be rendered safe. 

The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordinance Unit and the State Fire Marshal’s Office then worked to remove all of the chemicals from the scene. The chemicals were then turned over to DNREC for further testing in an attempt to identify the specific elements contained in the seized compounds and then properly disposed of them. The specific descriptive information as to the seized items can not be revealed at this time due to the continuing investigation.

Lockmeath Way was reopened at approximately 7:35 p.m. and the evacuated residents were able to return to their homes.

The investigation into this incident is continuing at this time. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

    “Troopers take this opportunity to encourage the public to become involved in the national “See Something, Say Something” Campaign.  The effort urges the public to contact police if they see any suspicious activity or anything out of the ordinary, and assist by becoming force multipliers, acting as the eyes and ears for the Delaware State Police in combating terrorism.

The public can report suspicious activity by contacting Delaware’s Anti-Terrorism Tipline 1-800-FORCE-12 (1-800-367-2312) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Released Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 8:30 p.m.

Original release below

DSP News Release: Troopers Investigate Suspicious Items

Location: Rear of a residence located in the 1400 block of Lockmeath Way, Dover, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Resume: 

Dover, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of suspicious items found in a shed in the rear of a residence located in the 1400 block of Lockmeath Way, Dover.

As a precaution, troopers have closed Lockmeath Way in between Voshells Mill Star Hill Road and Peachtree Run and have evacuated the surrounding area including the Star Hill Elementary School. The public is asked to avoid the area.

This investigation into this incident is continuing at this time. More information will be released when it becomes available.

Released Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 4:55 p.m.