A landlord in Pennsylvania is lucky to be alive after a lawn mower exploded while he was working at his rental property, and authorities believe the incident was no accident.
Local and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are investigating the explosion, which they suspect was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). Police have identified 54-year-old James Sever, the landlord’s former tenant, as the prime suspect in the attack.
The Explosion and Investigation
David Martin, the landlord, reported the incident on July 20 at about 4:30 p.m. from his rental property in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Martin told authorities that he had arrived at the property to do some maintenance work.
He had filled the lawn mower’s gas tank, turned it on, and let it rest for about ten seconds. As soon as he engaged the mower to move it forward, a loud explosion occurred, knocking him forward. Martin quickly jumped off the mower and ran outside.
Initially, Martin believed the explosion was due to a malfunction with the lawn mower, but as investigators arrived on the scene, the situation became much more concerning.
Clues Point to Former Tenant James Sever
Authorities began focusing on James Sever, a man Martin had evicted from the property just weeks earlier on June 3. According to the affidavit, Sever had made threatening statements to Martin following the eviction.
One witness recalled Sever threatening Martin, saying, “You’re going to end up getting yourself hurt over this.” The explosion happened about five weeks later, which led authorities to suspect that Sever was involved in the attack.
Further investigation revealed troubling evidence. The explosion site contained metal shrapnel, nails, screws, pieces of threaded pipe, and other components commonly used in IEDs. Experts confirmed that an improvised explosive device had been used.
Witnesses near the property described hearing the explosion and seeing Martin run out of the garage bay. One of the witnesses also noted that a wooden cat box had caught fire inside the garage, adding to the suspicion that the explosion was not accidental.
Tracking Sever’s Movements
Investigators discovered additional clues pointing to Sever’s involvement. Phone records showed that Sever was in the area the day before the explosion, on July 19, for about 50 minutes, and nearby tire tracks matched those left by his white Dodge Ram 1500 truck.
A search of Sever’s truck turned up more evidence: black zip tie cords similar to those found at the explosion site, as well as a red t-shirt and black/blue shorts, which matched the clothing Sever was reportedly seen wearing after the explosion.
Witness Testimonies
Two separate witnesses provided further details that placed Sever near the scene. One witness, who lived nearby, reported that Sever had approached her on the day after the explosion, looking disheveled and acting nervous.
He was wearing the same red t-shirt and black/blue shorts described earlier. Another witness, Sever’s former upstairs neighbor, recalled Sever threatening to “blow up” the property manager’s home due to a smoke issue with the chimney.
These prior threats seemed to link Sever to the explosion and raised suspicions that he may have been planning this act of violence for some time.
Charges Against Sever
Authorities have filed an arrest warrant for James Sever on charges that include attempted homicide, aggravated assault, weapons of mass destruction, recklessly endangering another person, and risking catastrophe, among others.
Police are urging the public to report any sightings of Sever, who is known to frequent wooded areas in the Derry/Blairsville region.
The explosion that could have taken David Martin’s life now appears to be part of a targeted attack. James Sever’s alleged involvement, including previous threats and suspicious activity, suggests a dangerous escalation of his anger and resentment after being evicted.
Authorities continue their search for Sever, and once apprehended, he will face serious criminal charges.
