Arrest Made in Vandalism of Boston Police Cruiser

Police say Asim Kieta faces several charges in connection with the incident

Boston Police announced Sunday they made an arrest in the vandalism of a cruiser in South Boston on Friday.

Officers responded to West Broadway at 8:22 a.m. for a cruiser on fire. Police Commissioner William Evans said an officer driving by noticed the fire between the cruiser and a bridge and immediately got out to move the vehicle.

A propane tank was found underneath the cruiser and exploded right after. Two officers suffered only minor injuries.

On Sunday, Evans announced at a news conference that Asim Kieta, 42, a homeless man, originally from Dorchester, had been arrested in connection with an 'incendiary device'.

Evans said thanks to joint efforts between Boston Police detectives, the Boston Police Special Investigations Unit, the Boston Office of the FBI and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, authorities were able to track Kieta down after releasing surveillance video of his vehicle. They caught up with him Saturday night in Charlestown where he was taken into custody.

Authorities do not know the motive behind Friday's incident but did say Kieta has a history of run-ins with police.

Among the charges Kieta faces are possession of an explosive device, assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, and arson of personal property. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in South Boston District Court.

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