**** Amherst Police Release
Amherst police have arrested one person and are looking to speak to a second “person of interest” following an investigation into two explosions that rocked the Town of Amherst this week.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, and is in police custody. He is facing numerous charges related to the fabrication and detonation of explosive devices.
His identity is not being released prior to an appearance in Amherst provincial court, which is expected to take place during the morning of Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.
The investigation into the explosions is being conducted by the Amherst Police Department Major Crime Unit. Their investigation included a search of a residence on Victoria Street East in Amherst.
The RCMP Forensic Identification and Explosives Disposal units, the Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Unit and the Amherst Police Department Patrol Section have assisted in the investigation.
The first explosion was reported to police dispatch shortly after 10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. It was described by callers as a large blast and was heard throughout the town. Responding officers found debris from a detonated device on Rupert Street, near the intersection with Agnew Street. No one was hurt in the incident, nor were there any reports of property damage.
The second large blast occurred in the Agnew Street area at about 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. Responding officers located debris from a device that had been detonated. No one was hurt and property damage was minimal.
Officers also found a second explosive device at the nearby Rotary Centennial Park that had not detonated. The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit safely detonated that device Wednesday morning after they had examined it.
Police are seeking assistance from the public and are asking anyone who has any information about the incident to contact the Amherst Police Department at (902) 667-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) and quote file number 2020-1785491.
