Indiana, PA – A man wanted in connection with an alleged attempted homicide in Westmoreland County has been taken into custody after a two-month search.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, James M. Sever, 54, of New Alexandria, was arrested without incident on September 16, 2025, in Center Township, Indiana County. Troopers located Sever on the Hoodlebug Trail after an off-duty officer reported a possible sighting. Sever was seen riding an e-bike and complied immediately when approached by authorities.
An arrest warrant for criminal attempt – homicide had been issued after an explosion on July 20, 2025, in Salem Township, Westmoreland County. Police said the victim was injured when a lawn mower exploded, later determined to have been rigged with an improvised explosive device. Sever, a former tenant of the property, was identified as a suspect.
During the investigation, charges were filed against Sever, including aggravated assault, weapons of mass destruction, risking catastrophe, and several misdemeanors. Authorities seized his vehicle earlier but believed he continued traveling by e-bike until his arrest.
Sever was transported to Troop A barracks in Indiana, where he remains in custody. The investigation into the July 20 incident is still ongoing.
