Dorchester Man Arrested In Explosion Near Boston Police Cruiser

SOUTH BOSTON (CBS) -- A Dorchester man was arrested Saturday night in connection to the propane tank that exploded under a Boston Police cruiser in a "deliberate act" the night before.

Asim Kieta, 42, was taken into custody without incident after police stopped his car in Charlestown around 9:30 p.m.

The list of charges against him includes possession of an explosive or destructive incendiary device, assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, and arson.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said at a press conference Sunday morning that Kieta was a homeless man with a lengthy criminal record, but said investigators weren't yet clear on a motive.

"I think it goes to some of the hatred out there, whether it's because of what's going on across the country or whether this was personal with him, because he's had some encounters with police," Evans said. "I don't know if this was payback or not."

Police said Kieta was walking on West Broadway in South Boston around 8:20 a.m. Friday, and intentionally set the propane tank next to a cruiser parked outside the South Boston police station. Commissioner Evans said the tank had some type of incendiary device or firework on top.

The officer was able to quickly move the cruiser before the propane tank exploded.

Two Boston Police officers were treated for minor injuries resulting from the device, and the cruiser sustained only minor damage.

Earlier Saturday, Police released surveillance photos of a suspect and what was believed to be his vehicle.

"We had video showing him coming out of what we believe to be a Toyota Camry that day," Evans said. "We see him coming out of that vehicle holding what looks to be a grocery bag, putting a hood on, walking toward our station. And then we have video that shows him quickly looking over his shoulder, going back to that vehicle, and driving away."

Later Saturday night, Kieta's car was pulled over on Rutherford Avenue in Charlestown by Massachusetts State Police. The street and the nearby ramp to 93 Southbound were temporarily shut down, but the incident wrapped up shortly after when the car was towed away from the scene.

Boston Police said Kieta's arrest was the result of collaboration between their detectives, the FBI, and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

"I'm happy we got this guy before obviously he did any more damage to our property or our officers," Commissioner Evans said.

"For someone to do that, it's always troubling to us. But it always says to us we always have to watch out for each other and constantly remind them that we are a target out there," Evans added.

Kieta is expected to be arraigned Monday morning in South Boston District Court.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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