Webster Man Accused Of Making Device That Caused Weare Explosion

WEARE, NH - A Webster man is facing multiple charges in the investigation of two explosions in the town of Weare, one of which injured a man.

Authorities said Dale Stewart, 54 of Webster admitted making two devices that he detonated in Weare. Stewart described the devices he made as a “big firecracker” with a cannon fuse, according to court documents.

According to complaints filed in Hillsborough County Superior Court Northern District, Stewart is charged with two counts of throwing/placing explosives, three counts of possession of an infernal machine, two counts of reckless conduct-deadly weapon, second-degree assault with extreme indifference; two counts of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Stewart was arraigned in court Friday afternoon.

He was ordered to be held on preventative detention pending a mental health evaluation by the judge. Weare police said home video surveillance led to the identification of a suspect vehicle. Police said they spotted the vehicle Thursday evening, and Stewart was detained while a search warrant was executed on the vehicle.

Sources indicated that the vehicle had been spotted at a local hardware store in Weare where Stewart was. A fully constructed pipe bomb was found in the vehicle and neutralized.

Officials said during a search of Stewart's home, they found numerous guns and some explosive material, which was sent to the state lab for testing.

The defense said Stewart suffered injuries in a car crash a year ago and out of work for a time. His attorney asked for him to be released on $1,000 bail. The judge said that due to the seriousness of the charges, Stewart should remain in jail for now.

"The facts of this case are very concerning, and I do find the state has met its burden by clear and convincing evidence to establish a danger to the community if you were released," Judge Tina Nadeau said.

Former President Donald Trump was making a campaign stop in downtown Manchester Thursday afternoon.

“Out of a matter of pure precaution, we let the Secret Service know, but at this time we have no information that suggests that these incidents were tied to that visit at all,” Jim Ferguson, special agent in charge of the Boston office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said at a news conference.

The incidents were investigated by Weare police, ATF, FBI, and New Hampshire State Police. Weare Fire responded to both explosions and provided emergency medical services to the injured man Thursday morning.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news