Wilmington police confirm suspicious device was a potential explosive

November 21, 2025

WWAY News,

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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)
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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)
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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)
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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)
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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)
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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)
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Wilmington Police investigate a suspicious package at Midtown Way (Photo: Randy Aldridge)

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington police say a device found Friday morning at an apartment complex was determined to be a potential explosive, prompting a large response from the department’s bomb squad and federal agents.

Officers were called shortly after 9:15 a.m. to the 2900 block of Midtown Way, off Independence Boulevard, after a suspicious package was reported.

Roads in the area, including Tiburon Drive and Canterbury Road, were closed while crews investigated. Edwin A. Alderman Elementary was under a shelter-in-place from 10 a.m. to a little after 11 a.m.

According to WPD, members of the department’s bomb squad, which includes Wilmington police officers and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, examined the device and determined it was a possible explosive. The team used on-scene techniques to render it safe so it could be removed for further examination.

Police say the area is now secure, and the device will undergo a detailed analysis. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.