Suspect Sought In Explosion Of Vending Machine In Northeast Philly
By Steve Beck
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police are searching for a suspect they say is responsible for the explosion of a soda vending machine in Northeast Philadelphia.
The incident happened at about 10 p.m. Thursday outside a business in the 4200 block of Magee Avenue in the city's Mayfair section.
The Bomb Disposal Unit responded along with the fire marshal and the ATF Arson & Explosives Task Force.
According to investigators, surveillance video captured a young male getting out of a car and placing some sort of object in the dispensing slot of the vending machine.
The car then drove away and moments later, the soda machine exploded.
The force of the explosion was so powerful that it blew debris approximately 100 feet away. The windows of the business were blown out, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Investigators believe a high-powered explosive, such as a M-100 or M1000 firework, was used.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Investigators returned to the scene on Friday to continue the investigation which remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to contact police.
