Explosion By BurlCo Train Tracks Likely Not Terrorism, New Details Reveal

MAPLE SHADE, NJ — Authorities have not revealed the motive of a Maple Shade man accused of having illegal explosives and causing a blast by the railroad tracks earlier this month, but new details from police shed light on the investigation into the man charged in connection with the incident.

Louis Monica threw an explosive on the grass near the railroad tracks earlier this month in Maple Shade, police said. After identifying him as the suspect, authorities say they found explosives and materials used to make and store them in his home before arresting him.

• Read more: Explosives Found In Man's Home After Blast By BurlCo Train Tracks: Police

Maple Shade Police Lt. Daniel O'Brien told Patch he wasn't at liberty to reveal a motive. But he said, "We did not get the impression that it was a terrorist-type situation."

The March 10 explosion occurred near the railroad tracks on West Front Street in Maple Shade, police said.

The tracks, which handle freight trains, did not appear to be targeted in the explosion, according to O'Brien.

Nobody was in the area during the blast, O'Brien said.

Two days later, authorities searched Monica's N Coles Avenue home. State Police, FBI bomb squads and the Burlington County Sheriff's Department assisted police with the search.

The State Police Hazmat Unit confirmed the presence of explosive materials.

Monica, 61, was charged with causing or risking widespread injury or damage, possession of explosive destructive devices, and two counts of possession of weapons for unlawful purposes.