SALEM TOWNSHIP, PA – Authorities are searching for a man suspected of planting an explosive device under a lawn mower, which detonated as the property’s landlord attempted to start the machine in rural Westmoreland County last weekend.
On the afternoon of July 20, David Martin reported hearing a powerful explosion at his rental property on the 7900 block of Salem Township. According to police documents, Martin described turning on his zero-turn Cub Cadet mower before suddenly being jolted by a blast, forcing him to leap from the seat and seek safety outside.
Local police, joined by federal investigators from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, responded to the scene. Martin told investigators he had not visited the property in three days and had just refueled the mower before the incident. Investigators say the explosion occurred almost instantly as the machine was put into gear.
As law enforcement combed through the aftermath, they spotted significant damage inside the garage. Metal fragments were scattered throughout, and officers recovered parts including threaded pipe pieces, black zip ties, nails, screws, battery components, and wiring. Large fragments of metal shrapnel appeared to have been blown through the walls, suggesting a deliberately constructed device.
An additional witness, who had been working nearby, told authorities he heard the blast and initially assumed there was a mechanical issue. He recalled rushing to switch off the mower, only to discover a burning wooden cat box inside the garage bay.
Detectives quickly focused on James Sever, 54, a former tenant recently evicted from the property. Records show that a state trooper had responded to the home on June 11, just over a week after Sever’s eviction, when Sever allegedly returned and threatened Martin. Investigators recounted that Sever reportedly warned, “You’re going to end up getting yourself hurt over this,” before leaving the premises.
The investigation led authorities to review Sever’s phone data, which placed him near the rental property the night before the explosion for nearly an hour. Tire impressions found near the property matched the pattern of Sever’s Dodge Ram 1500 truck.
A subsequent search of Sever’s vehicle turned up black zip ties similar to those found in the garage, along with a red t-shirt and blue or black shorts. Another witness told police she saw Sever the day of the explosion wearing clothing matching that description. She described him as acting nervous and discussing his eviction.
Investigators also interviewed a former neighbor, who recounted that Sever previously made threats when frustrated with a property manager, reportedly saying he would “blow that [expletive] up” during a dispute.
A forensic analysis of the debris confirmed that an improvised explosive device had been used in the incident.
An arrest warrant for Sever was issued Friday on several felony charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault, risk of catastrophe, and use of weapons of mass destruction. As of Monday, authorities had not yet reported an arrest.
State police said Sever may be in wooded areas around the Derry and Blairsville communities and urged the public to call 911 if he is seen. No injuries other than Martin’s escape have been reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.