Christopher Greer, 41, was arrested Wednesday and charged in connection with an Aug. 4 explosion at a home on Dearth Road in Menallen Township. Police allege that he threw an improvised explosive device into the house. CBS Pittsburgh reports that investigators relied on surveillance footage and cellphone records in connecting Greer to the scene: CBS Pittsburgh.
The reports differ on the precise charges and court proceedings. The Herald-Standard lists attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, and said Greer had not been arraigned as of Wednesday afternoon. WPXI reported two aggravated-assault counts, several misdemeanors and a Wednesday arraignment. WPXI and CBS Pittsburgh reported that a judge denied bail.
According to the Herald-Standard’s account of the criminal complaint, surveillance footage and cellphone records placed Greer in a GMC Yukon that traveled from his home to the Dearth Road address. Police later stopped him in the vehicle, and data obtained through a search warrant placed his phone near the home shortly before the explosion, the paper reported.
Lacie Jordan, the only person in the house, told police she was in a bedroom speaking by phone with her mother when she noticed a flame at the window and heard a sizzling noise. The blast damaged the bedroom and part of the exterior wall, with debris scattered outside, according to the Herald-Standard. The paper reported that the homeowner heard the explosion after going into the kitchen.
Investigators are examining whether the incident was retaliation connected to a dispute involving Javon Brown and people associated with his ex-girlfriend, Marlene Michaux. CBS Pittsburgh reported that District Attorney Mike Aubele said investigators had not determined whether Jordan was the intended target and believed at least one other person may have been involved. Brown was arrested the day after the explosion and charged with arson over an alleged fire at Michaux’s home, the Herald-Standard reported.
