Homemade Explosive Device Damages Vehicle In Blackstone

A homemade explosive device resembling a pipe bomb damaged a vehicle parked outside a Massachusetts home, police said Friday.

Although police did not disclose the name of the Blackstone homeowner they say was deliberately targeted by Thursday night's explosion, neighbors say he is the principal of a nearby high school.

Officers responded to the home just after 6 p.m. after receiving a report of possible vandalism to a vehicle, Blackstone Chief Ross Atstupenas said at a Friday news conference.

The homeowner told police he heard a loud bang that shook his home and then noticed the damage to his Jeep SUV, the chief said. No one was injured. Neighbors also reported hearing a loud noise.

The vehicle's grill, radiator and engine block were damaged, police said.

The vehicle appears to have been deliberately targeted and there is no danger to the community, the chief said. State police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to assist in the investigation. The chief also asked anyone who may have seen someone suspicious in the area to contact them.

The police presence outside Bellingham High School was increased Friday because of a "recent local event," schools Superintendent Peter Marano said in a statement. Bellingham is next door to Blackstone.

The principal of Bellingham High School did not respond to emails and phone calls from The Associated Press on Friday.