Police Seeking Van In Connection With Chester County Pipe Bombs

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Police are continuing to investigate after two pipe bombs were found within half a mile of one another within a 24-hour period in Caln Township in January. They've identified a white van which they believe may be helpful to the investigation, and are asking for the public's help in tracking down the driver.

The van was in the area of the Olive Street underpass, near the intersection with South Caln Road, at around 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, authorities said.

It's believed to be a white Dodge Ram 3500 ProMaster panel van. The driver or occupants might be valuable witnesses for the ongoing investigation into the discovery of illegal explosives in that area several days later, police said.

"Investigators stress that this vehicle is being sought in order to obtain potential witness information and is not believed to be associated with the placement or detonation of any illegal explosive devices," the Caln Township Police Department said in a statement.

>>2 Pipe Bombs Found Within Half A Mile In Chester Co.; 1 Explodes

The first device exploded near that underpass at around 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. A day later, at 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 21, a postal worker found what was later determined to be an undetonated pipe bomb at the corner of 14th Avenue and Olive Street. School buses drop children off near there.

Police were able to recover this second device undetonated. No injuries or property damage occurred in either case.

The second undetonated device was located just half a mile from the explosion the day before. Both devices appear to be similar in size and construction, and both are believed to be homemade, police said. Though they were not actually constructed of metal or plastic pipe, they were capable of causing serious injury or death, and property damage, authorities said.

As the investigation continues, residents can expect to see an increase in police activity, both in order to alleviate the fears of residents, and to serve as a deterrent to further acts of a similar nature.

Any motive behind the bombs remains unclear.

"At this point in the investigation we have no information to indicate that these acts are targeted at a specific individual or group of individuals," Chief Joseph G. Elias said in a statement. "Nonetheless, our investigators will follow all leads to determine motive and to bring those responsible to justice."

If you have any information regarding this van or this incident, or if you known someone who may have been near the Olive Street underpass at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20, contact Caln Township police at 610-383-1821.