Community Corner

Improvised Explosive Devices Found in North Canton Home

Thomas Ward, who was reported missing on May 20, allegedly made three bombs in his Sunford Avenue SE residence.

On Friday, it was determined the suspicious materials taken from a North Canton home were improvised explosive devices.

The three bombs were found May 29 after a resident in the 1100 block of Sunford Avenue SE suspected the materials could be dangerous and contacted police.

The bombs were safely removed from the home by the Summit County Bomb Squad and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. 

If triggered, the homemade bombs could have inflicted serious or fatal injuries, according to a North Canton police press release. 

The resident's cousin, Thomas Ward, 51, who lived in the Sunford residence for five years, allegedly made the IEDs, according to North Canton Police Chief Stephan Wilder. 

Ward, who suffers from mental illnesses, was reported missing on May 20.

The IED's were taken to the Stark County Crime Lab for further analysis, said Wilder. 

Anyone with information on Thomas R. Ward should contact the North Canton Police Department at 330-499-5911.


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