Homemade explosive detonated in Wheaton

Wheaton police are looking for someone who detonated a homemade explosive device in front of a home on the city's south side.

No one was injured and nothing was damaged during the incident, which happened Tuesday evening on the 1600 block of Hunters Glen Drive.

Moments before, a resident responding to a doorbell ring looked outside and saw someone he didn't know standing on the other side of the locked front door, according to Deputy Chief Tom Meloni.

Police said the suspect is described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s who is tall and has a thin build.

The resident, who never opened the door, saw the suspect run away after ringing the door bell. A loud bang, which sounded like a large firecracker, was heard just outside the door, according to Meloni.

While checking outside, the resident found the remains of a plastic soda bottle and pieces of aluminum foil. Police said those materials were used to make the chemical explosive device.

Meloni said it's believed that the incident was a prank. "But it's a dangerous prank because somebody could get hurt with these things," he said.

Police advised that residents should never touch a suspicious device. Instead, they should immediately call 911 and clear the area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Det. Cmdr. James Volpe at (630) 260-2055.