Ex-Employee Detonates Bomb, Damages Vehicle and Nearby Homes

Authorities allege the suspect used an explosive device in an early morning detonation following a workplace dispute.

A Warminster, Pennsylvania, man has been charged with federal explosives offenses in connection with a July 26, 2025, detonation in Delran, Burlington County, that damaged a vehicle, nearby homes, and personal property. Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges Thursday.

Michael Patrick Takacs, Jr., 43, is accused of transporting an explosive across state lines with the intent to intimidate and cause property damage, unlawfully transporting explosive materials, and possessing an explosive device without required authorization. Takacs made his initial court appearance on August 7, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court and was ordered detained.

"We learned a bomb was placed under a person’s vehicle and it exploded before dawn on a Saturday in Delran, NJ. Our agents, intelligence analysts, bomb technicians, evidence response team, and task force officers with state and local police agencies rushed to the scene and immediately began searching for a suspect. We worked around the clock and developed evidence in just days to allege Takacs built the bomb and took very specific steps to avoid detection. Our most important mission in these types of investigations is to protect the public from injury or death by preventing additional attacks. The people of New Jersey do not always get to see the swift and incredible work done by the FBI and our law enforcement partners, but this case illustrates what we do and the way we do it is vital to the communities we serve," Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy said.

According to court filings, the incident occurred around 2:42 a.m. on July 26, when an explosive device detonated near a silver Ford Explorer parked in the driveway of a Delran residence belonging to “Victim-1.” The blast scattered debris—including nails and bolts—across a 100-foot radius, striking the vehicle and damaging nearby residential structures.

Surveillance footage allegedly showed a dark-colored Jeep Renegade arrive at the scene minutes before the explosion. A man exited the driver’s side, approached the victim’s vehicle carrying a black object, and returned to the SUV without it. The Jeep was then seen passing the residence at high speed moments before the explosion. Investigators believe the device was remotely detonated from the passing vehicle.

Prosecutors say Victim-1 had previously supervised Takacs at work before his termination in May 2025. Subsequent investigation linked Takacs to a Jeep Renegade matching the suspect vehicle and revealed recent purchases of detonators similar to one recovered at the scene. Authorities also allege that Takacs had saved an online map of Victim-1’s residence and discussed acquiring a device to conceal license plates.

Takacs did not possess the licenses or permits required to make or transport explosives. Each count in the complaint carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

“Disgruntled individuals who seek retaliation in such dangerous ways – ways that could have seriously injured not only the victim, but others in the community, cannot be tolerated. We will continue to support and collaborate with our law enforcement partners, who acted swiftly, yet methodically, in this matter. Violent actors will be brought to justice.” - Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

The investigation involved the FBI’s Newark and Philadelphia field offices, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, New Jersey State Police, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Delran Township Police Department, Bucks County Sheriff’s Office, and Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincent D. Romano and Casey S. Smith, with support from the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.

The charges are allegations, and Takacs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.