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Princeton Man Held After Nine Homemade Explosive Devices Found in Truck

Authorities describe the items as homemade devices set for controlled detonation by the State Police Bomb Squad.

Overview

  • Police conducted a planned 7 a.m. traffic stop on Hubbardston Road on Thursday and reported finding nine explosive devices in the suspect’s pickup.
  • The investigation began with reports of pre-dawn explosions on Wheeler Road on Monday, and a witness helped identify 27-year-old Jason E. Baldarelli Jr. as a suspect.
  • Baldarelli pleaded not guilty in Leominster District Court to possessing explosives and is being held on $7,500 cash bail, according to court records.
  • Multiple agencies are involved, including the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts Fire Marshal’s Office, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the State Police Bomb Squad.
  • Investigators searched Baldarelli’s residence under a warrant, where they said they found another 23 explosive devices that were safely detonated.