By: Richard L. Smith
According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, a Pennsylvania man has been charged in connection with a powerful explosion that damaged a vehicle, nearby homes, and personal property in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Federal prosecutors say Michael Patrick Takacs Jr., 43, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, faces multiple charges, including transporting explosives across state lines with intent to intimidate and unlawful possession of an explosive device.
He appeared in Camden federal court on August 7, 2025, where a judge ordered him detained.
Authorities allege that in the early hours of July 26, 2025, an explosive device detonated near a silver Ford Explorer parked in the driveway of a Delran residence.
The blast sent nails and bolts flying as far as 100 feet, striking the vehicle and several nearby homes.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed a dark-colored Jeep Renegade arrive at the home minutes before the explosion.
Investigators say an individual exited the SUV carrying an object, approached the vehicle, then quickly returned to the SUV before leaving. Moments later, the same SUV allegedly sped past the home as the explosion occurred, leading investigators to believe the device was remotely detonated.
The victim, identified only as a former supervisor of Takacs, had worked with him prior to his termination from a job in May 2025.
According to federal court documents, Takacs allegedly purchased detonators online weeks before the incident, researched the victim’s address, and discussed obtaining a license plate-flipping device.
According to the statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Takacs did not have the required permits to make or transport explosives. If convicted, the charges could carry decades in prison and significant fines.