Man Facing Federal Charges In Pittsburgh Explosion Incident

Pittsburgh PA

06 January, 2021

3:48 PM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Lawrenceville man is facing charges related to the alleged throwing of an incendiary device from a vehicle over the weekend in that neighborhood. Charles Baker, 33, is charged with illegal possession of an unregistered destructive device and being a felon in possession of a destructive device, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady's office announced Wednesday. According to the criminal complaint, the explosion occurred Jan. 3 in the 3600 block of Penn Avenue and caused damage to an unoccupied vehicle. Police recovered items at the scene believed to be used in constructing the incendiary device, including fragments of a Twisted Tea can, dozens of nails, screws and car parts. No one was injured in the incident. "Our city is safer today thanks to the rapid response by the Pittsburgh Police and the (federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives), who worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend Charles Baker," Brady said. "Acts of wanton violence will be met with the swift hand of justice." Brady's office said Baker has several criminal convictions that include burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver controlled substances. The counts charged in the criminal complaint carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.