Federal authorities say a Pennsylvania man planted and detonated a bomb beneath his former supervisor’s vehicle in Delran, New Jersey, in what investigators say was an act of retaliation for losing his job.
According to a criminal complaint, 43-year-old Michael Patrick Takacs Jr., of Warminster, Pennsylvania, placed the device under the SUV in the early morning hours of July 26. The explosion sent nails and bolts into the vehicle and nearby homes, creating a debris field about 100 feet in diameter. No injuries were reported.
Takacs was terminated from his job in May, FBI Special Agent Breyana Mason said. Investigators allege he spent months preparing for the attack. On June 4, Takacs allegedly took a screenshot of the victim’s home, and later discussed buying a license plate flipper — a device that can obscure a plate at the push of a button.
The FBI says Takacs purchased two remote fireworks igniter systems on June 28, which were delivered to his home in early July. Officials allege that at 2:42 a.m. on July 26, he drove to the victim’s neighborhood, placed the device beneath the SUV, and left the area moments before the explosion.
Takacs is charged with transporting an explosive to intimidate a person or damage property, unlawfully transporting explosive materials, and two counts of unlawful possession of an explosive device.
He appeared Thursday in Camden federal court, where a judge ordered him held in custody pending further proceedings.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
