News Release
09/29/23
Case Numbers: 23-19113 & 23-19135 Incident: Suspicious Explosion/Narcotics Arrest
1400 block Cumberland Ave.
On September 28th, around 4:15 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Cumberland Ave to assist the Evansville Fire Department. The Evansville Fire Department had initially been called to that location for a loud explosion and smoke in the area. EFD located the smoke and debris on the sidewalk near the alley that runs north/south off of Dearborn St.
Luckily, the explosion did not cause any injuries and there was no structure damage reported. The explosion was caused by a modified device that started out as a firework. It was considered to be an improvised explosion devise (IED). A second device was located next to the trashcan in the same location, but that device had not functioned. The EPD Hazardous Device Unit was on scene and rendered that device safe.
Through the investigation, officers and detectives determined that a residence on Delmar Ave. was possibly involved with the explosion. Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence. Methamphetamine and paraphernalia were found inside the home. Robert Kuhen was a resident of that home and was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. He was transported to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center.
At this time, no one has been arrested in the connection with the IED explosion, but the investigation is still active. The Evansville Police Department would like to remind the public that once a firework has been modified in any way, it is classified as an Improvised Explosion Devise (IED), which is not only illegal, but very dangerous.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the EPD Adult Investigations Unit at (812) 436-7979.
