Salem tree bomber faces multiple charges

The Statesman Journal in Salem got national attention last week after a man reportedly used explosives to remove a tree.

Besides charges of disorderly conduct, possession of illegal fireworks and unlawful manufacture of a destructive device, Zachary Leone, 19, will likely face additional charges, as a search warrant has been issued for his home, according to the Associated Press and The L.A. Times.

“There will be more charges,” Sgt. Mark Garton of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office told the Statesman Journal. How many more charges depends on how many manufactured destructive devices the Salem Police Bomb Squad find in the home, Garton said.

Diana Hill, who lives across the street from Leone, said the teen stopped by her house earlier that afternoon and told her to expect some noise because he was going to take a tree out from his yard.

Hill said she asked how he was going to take the tree out.

“And he says: ‘I’m going to blow it up.’ … We didn’t think he was actually going to do that,” she said.

Although no injuries were reported in this instance, tree removal can be dangerous. Friends of Trees suggests all tree-owners contact their local urban forestry representatives when contemplating the removal of a tree. If removal is approved, the next step is to find a certified arborist.

–Toshio Suzuki