Police: Center City Man Injured After Opening Package With Explosive Device

The explosion occurred around 4 a.m. this morning on the 1800 block of Pine Street. Police say the device was sent with the intent to harm.

A Center City resident was reportedly injured when he opened a package containing an explosive device around 4 a.m. this morning in his home on the 1800 block of Pine Street.

Police Commissioner Richard Ross said the “victim-activated device” inside the package was sent specifically to the 60-year-old man with the intent to harm.

Sam Rabadi, the special agent in charge at the Philadelphia Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the device was not a pipe bomb or “something we typically see in Philly.”

Rabadi said the device caused a “substantial detonation.” The victim reportedly suffered injuries to his face, torso and hands, and he is in stable condition after undergoing surgery at Jefferson University Hospital. Police said the victim thought the package, which had a bar code on it, looked like it contained medications he had ordered.

Investigators have not identified the victim, but a neighbor and a law enforcement source identified him as Jim Alden, according to the Inquirer.

Philadelphia police, the Philadelphia Bomb Squad and the federal ATF are investigating all possible motives, including the possibility that the incident was a hate crime. The front window of the man’s townhouse displayed a rainbow “Love Trumps Hate” sign.

It’s still unclear exactly what the device was made from. Evidence collected from the scene as well as the device are being transported to ATF headquarters for analysis.

Investigators are urging people who suspect they may know something about the case to come forward and contact 215-686-TIPS.

This is a developing story.

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