Steep Bail for Homeless Man Accused of Police Cruiser Explosion Attempt

BOSTON, MA — A homeless man accused of trying to set a Boston Police cruiser on fire is being held Monday on a steep bail, after an alleged attempt to "blow up" a cruiser left a vehicle damaged and two officers injured.

Asim Kieta, 42, is identified by police as a homeless man from the Dorchester area.

He is accused of intentionally targeting a police cruiser outside a South Boston substation last Friday, allegedly placing some kind of incendiary device by a police cruiser parked out front. The cruiser was moved, but was slightly damage. Two officers also reportedly sustained minor injuries.

Kieta, who is being held on $750,000 cash bail, faces numerous charges as a result, including possession of an explosive or destructive incendiary device, assault with intent to murder, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer and arson.

On Friday, Evans said an officer saw flames and what appeared to be a propane tank near his cruiser. Police later said officers "observed and recovered evidence of what appeared to be an incendiary device that appeared to have been placed next to the police vehicle." The vehicle was moved, but photos from the scene show fire shooting up in the same spot, moments later.

In addition to the $750,000 cash bail assigned Monday, Kieta has been ordered to wear a GPS monitor if he posts bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 10.

Patch will update this story.

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