A Maynard, Massachusetts man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly placed a homemade explosive device on the porch of an area home earlier this week.
William O’Neil, 51, has been charged with placing an explosive device and possessing an explosive device.
Maynard police were called to a home on Demars Street just before 10 a.m. on Monday when a homeowner found a suspicious package on his front porch. Officers arrived at the scene and then called in the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, which successfully disassembled the device and deemed the area safe.
Prosecutors said police were able to match a fingerprint on the device to O'Neil, and he was arrested Wednesday morning without incident. Officers also executed a search warrant at his home.
Police said O’Neil is believed to be connected to a similar incident on Oct. 29 involving another suspicious package found near a home on Walcott Street in Maynard.
There was no apparent connection between O'Neil and the two victims, and there is no motive at this point.
At his arraignment on Wednesday in Concord District Court, he was ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday morning.
It was not immediately clear if O'Neil has an attorney.
Police said the incidents remain under investigation and additional charges may be forthcoming.
