SALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A New Alexandria man is facing attempted homicide and related charges after allegedly placing an explosive device under a lawn mower, injuring a former landlord in Westmoreland County, authorities announced.
On Sunday, July 20, Pennsylvania State Police responded to a report of an explosion at a property along Route 22 in Salem Township. The victim told troopers he had started his riding lawn mower in a garage bay and was preparing to move it when the device detonated.
State Police’s Hazardous Device and Explosives Section, along with agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed that an explosive device had been deliberately placed beneath the mower.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, whose name has not yet been released. Authorities said the victim is the suspect’s former landlord.
The investigation remains ongoing in coordination with the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.