Man Hospitalized After Explosive Device Detonates In Charlestown

CHARLESTOWN, MA — A man was taken to the hospital after an explosive device detonated during an encounter with police in Charlestown early Monday morning, according to a Boston police report.

Boston police told Patch that officers responded to the area of Mishawum Street and Main Street just before 1 a.m. after receiving a report of a man who did not feel safe in the area. Officers located the man walking along Mishawum Street before he reportedly told them he needed to retrieve a cigarette from a bag he had previously left in a parking lot on Main Street.

According to the police report, officers saw an unknown device in the man's hand after he retrieved the bag. He reportedly told officers it was an explosive device before wrapping wires extending from the device around his neck. Police said the man repeatedly stated that the device was intended only to harm himself and that he did not intend to hurt officers at the scene.

Boston police told Patch that additional officers, members of the Bomb Squad, a K-9 officer and hostage negotiators responded to the area. Special Operations officers attempted to disarm the man using flash bangs and less-lethal munitions before the device eventually detonated against his chest, according to the report. A police K-9 then brought the man to the ground before officers placed him in handcuffs.

The man suffered serious injuries to his chest and neck area and his right wrist and was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for further treatment. While at the hospital, police said the man told officers that additional explosive materials were inside a vehicle he had driven to Charlestown. Officers later located the vehicle parked on Park Street and the Bomb Squad conducted a search.

The man is expected to face charges of discharge or ignition of explosives and possession of explosives. His identity has not yet been revealed.

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