Explosive Found Near School in Hastings

HASTINGS, Minn. — A 57-year-old Hastings resident faces charges for allegedly leaving an explosive device near an elementary school in February 2023. The Dakota County complaint, filed last Wednesday, accuses the man of possessing an explosive/incendiary device after a local resident discovered what was initially thought to be a "cherry bomb" and took it home, only to later realize it was an explosive. The incident occurred on February 10, 2023, when the item was reported to authorities. The St. Paul Bomb Squad and the FBI were called in to assess the situation. By August 10, 2023, the FBI confirmed that the device was a "certified improved explosive device" (IED) and deemed it functional. Investigators were able to link the device to the suspect through DNA found on its components. Upon his detention in September 2023, the suspect denied any involvement in creating or placing explosives near the school. However, when confronted with the DNA evidence, he acknowledged having possessed the device at some point. He also mentioned having tossed a similar explosive around his birthday, which falls on February 9, and admitted to frequently walking near the location where the IED was found. The man was arrested last Wednesday and is currently being held on a $150,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 11, as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the explosive device.