Newark / Public Safety

Update: Newark Police Release Details Regarding Device Found In City Park

- by Staff Writer

Police have determined that the object found in Rittenhouse Park was a 40mm M169 practice grenade, meant for training, that would be used by the military.  The object was discovered by a citizen in the parking lot of Rittenhouse Park at about 2:02 pm.  The device was on top of the gravel and was not concealed in any way.  Delaware State Police EOD disposed of the device.  An explosive detecting K-9 from Wilmington PD responded and checked the major public areas of the park and did not locate anything suspicious.
The park is now open.

Newark – Just after 2:00 this afternoon, Newark Police responded to Rittenhouse Park to canvas the area for possible explosives, according to Newark Police.

The initial reports indicate that someone walked into Delaware State Police Troop 2 on Pulaski Highway and told Troopers they found a ‘Granade’ in the parking lot of the park.

Officers responding to Rittenhouse Park have ordered the park evacuated. Parkgoers have been escorted away from the area.

Police have requested a bomb K9 to assist in the search.

It is unclear at this time what the situation at Troop 2 is following their receipt of the device.

The Delaware State Police Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (bomb squad) has taken possession of the device and is assisting in the investigation.

Newark Police officers are currently on the scene of the discovery of a possible explosive device in Rittenhouse Park located at 228 West Chestnut Hill Road. The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit is assisting in the investigation.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area, read a police statement.

 

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