WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania man wanted for a lawn mower explosion last month continues to evade law enforcement, and now a reward is being offered for info that will lead to his capture.
Pennsylvania State Police said Troopers are still looking for 54-year-old James Sever in relation to the explosion on a property in the 7000 block of State Route 22 in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, just before 4:30 p.m. July 20.
A reward of $5,000 is now available for anyone who provides information that helps lead to Sever’s arrest, Troopers announced. He may be in the New Alexandria, Derry Township, West Newton and Kane areas, as well as possibly living in the woods.
Court documents show that Sever is accused of placing an improvised explosive device underneath a zero-turn mower that blew up when the victim went to use it.
The victim owned a rental property that Sever lived on until his eviction in June. State Police said Sever allegedly threatened the victim that they would “end up getting yourself hurt over this,” about a week after he was kicked out.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
Severe Weather Alerts
Throughout the investigation, the State Police stated that some of the items found at the scene of the lawn mower explosion were also discovered in Sever’s truck. A witness also reported interacting with him earlier in the day of the explosion, and he was dirty, seemed to be nervous, and talked about his recent eviction, according to court documents.
Sever may be using a dark blue e-bike to get around since his truck was seized, State Police said.
Sever faces charges of aggravated assault, weapons of mass destruction, risking catastrophe, possession of instrument, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, trespassing and making repairs/selling/etc. an offensive weapon.
Anyone with information about Sever’s whereabouts is asked to contact PSP at 724-697-5780 or 911 or PSP Tips Toll Free at 1-800-472-8477. You can also go online and submit a tip through their website.
This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Comments