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Published September 14, 2007 [ From Lansing State Journal ]

Booby trap explodes, injures Lansing man Police say he made device to protect home from burglars

A north Lansing man who appears to have installed an explosive device inside his house to ward off burglars is recovering from an accidental explosion that may cost him his right hand, police and fire officials said.

Lansing Fire Department Lt. Maggie Murphy said the man had been the victim of several break-ins.

"Apparently, he was trying to set booby traps to get the next guy who tried to break in," Murphy said.

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The 50-year-old man, who neighbors identified as Victor Iacobescu, apparently tripped the explosive inside his house about 8:30 a.m., and then ran to neighbor Patrick Struble's home for help.

Struble, 48, said Iacobescu's right arm was wrapped in a bloody towel.

The explosion "about took his hand off," Struble said.

Iacobescu told him the explosive device included water piping and gunpowder, Struble said.

Police evacuated and blocked off the area around 3114 Felt St. for much of Thursday while the Michigan State Police bomb squad combed the house looking for additional explosives. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were also on scene.

As of early Thursday night, there was no word on what investigators found.

During the day, evacuated residents stood a block from the two-story house on their tree-lined street, watching as investigators entered the home.

Tom DelGiorno, 60 of Bath Township, was to spend Thursday remodeling a house that sits kitty-corner from Iacobescu's. Instead, he said, he had to find something else to do with his time.

"This could take a long time," he said, staring at the firetrucks with his hands on his hips.

Lt. Bruce Ferguson said police are investigating the incident with the intent to pursue charges.

"Anything that goes 'bang' is illegal," he said. "I can't think of any (legal) reason why someone would be making a bomb."

Ferguson said police expect to interview the man today. Police couldn't talk to him Thursday because he was anesthetized during surgery as doctors tried to repair his arm.

Submitted on 09/14/2007

Submitted by: Justin McCauley
Reference: lansing state journal 9-14-07

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
More info on the fellow who attempted to build the penultimate "burglar buster"! Thanks, Justin!

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Thanks, Justin. We already have this story under consideration but this provides more details.

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