South Jersey Man Charged With Bombing Gym, Explosives

NEW JERSEY – A South Jersey man was charged with bombing a gym and also possessing explosives, according to a US Attorney's Office release.

Dwayne A. Vandergrift Jr., 35, of Gloucester City was charged with placing an explosive device on the front door of a local gym near his home, according to the release.

Security camera footage recorded Vandergrift fleeing the area moments before the device exploded, badly damaging the front door and shattering its glass, according to the release.

Vandergrift was charged Friday with detonating an explosive device at the local business and unlawfully possessing unregistered destructive devices and a short-barreled rifle, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

The incident happened during the early morning hours of Aug. 26 when Vandergrift was seen fleeing the area of the explosion, the release said.

On Aug. 28, federal and local law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Vandergrift’s home and found substantial quantities of bomb making materials, numerous weapons including an unregistered short barreled rifle, several tactical vests outfitted with body armor and loaded 30-round ammunition magazines, the release said.

Authorities also found a marijuana grow operation containing approximately 85 marijuana plants.

Upon examining Vandergrift’s personal computer devices, investigators discovered that he had recently researched how to construct and utilize various explosive devices, including pipe and pressure cooker bombs, the release said.

Vandergrift was arrested by local authorities on Aug. 28 and charged by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. He is presently in custody on those charges.

The malicious use of explosive charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000. The charges for possession of the unregistered destructive devices and short-barreled rifle carry maximum prison terms of 10 years each and maximum fines of $250,000.