Bucks County man charged with detonating a bomb at the New Jersey home of his former supervisor.
A Bucks County man has been charged with using explosive devices to attack the vehicle of a former supervisor. Michael Patrick Takacs, Jr., 43, from Warminster, Pennsylvania, is alleged to have planted and detonated a bomb that destroyed a silver Ford Explorer parked in the driveway of his victim’s home in Delran, Burlington County, New Jersey, on July 26.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey reported that the explosion occurred shortly after 2:40 a.m. and created a debris field with a radius of approximately 100 feet. Despite the significant damage, no injuries were reported. The blast resulted in nails and bolts being ejected, damaging the targeted SUV as well as nearby residences.
Takacs made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden on Thursday. Following his appearance, Skahill ordered him to be held in custody while further court proceedings are conducted. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the seriousness of such retaliatory actions, condemning them for posing risks not only to the intended targets but also to the surrounding community.
The incident was captured on surveillance footage, which showed a dark-colored SUV—later identified as a Jeep Renegade—parked across the street from the victim’s residence shortly before the explosion. The video recorded an individual exiting the Jeep, approaching the victim’s vehicle with a black object, returning to the Jeep, and driving away just before the explosion occurred. Investigators believe the device was remotely detonated.
A background check revealed that Takacs had been terminated from his job in May, with the SUV owner acting as one of his supervisors. Additionally, law enforcement officials noted that a similar Jeep Renegade was discovered parked near Takacs’ home following the explosion. Just weeks prior, he had purchased detonators online that matched the device found at the scene.
Furthermore, it was reported that Takacs had taken screenshots of an online map displaying the victim’s address and had shown interest in acquiring a license plate flipper, a tool intended to conceal license plates on command.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy stated that the rapid investigation was critical in safeguarding the public and preventing further incidents of violence. The swift actions taken by the FBI and law enforcement were commended as essential in protecting communities from potential threats posed by individuals seeking retribution through dangerous means.
This ongoing case remains under investigation, with legal proceedings against Takacs set to continue in the coming weeks.
Media News Source
