Salem, Ore.-area man arrested after loud explosions heard in neighborhood

Ore. man arrested after tree blows up

SALEM, Ore. — Authorities in Oregon say a man has been arrested after explosions rocked his Salem-area neighborhood and partially blew up a tree on his property.

Sgt. Mark Garton of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says explosive material was put in a tree and detonated. One 911 caller reported “two very loud kabooms” Sunday evening. No injuries were reported.

After deputies found what they thought was likely another explosive device inside the house, Garton says, they backed off, obtained a search warrant and called the Salem police bomb squad.

Garton says bomb-making materials and another explosive device have been found in the house.

Zachary Leone has been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, possession of illegal fireworks and unlawful manufacture of a destructive device.

According to the (Salem) Statesman Journal, Garton said Leone reportedly talked to neighbors about wanting to take a tree down.