Originally published on WPRI
SMITHFIELD R.I. (WPRI) — A Smithfield man was arrested Wednesday after a home on Greenbrier Road was damaged by a “small improvised explosive device,” police said Thursday.
Officers responded to the home around 8:45 a.m. and found a window and screen had been destroyed and the frame was charred, according to police. A resident and some neighbors reported hearing an explosion around 5 a.m.
The victims told police the incident may be related to an ongoing dispute they were having with another person, which may have also been connected to a vehicle being vandalized outside the home last Thursday.
Police said they obtained an arrest warrant for Anthony Rubino in connection with the vandalism and took him into custody around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Further investigation revealed he was also responsible for placing the explosive device, according to police.
Rubino, 35, was charged with placing of explosive devices, fourth-degree arson, and vandalism/malicious injury to property. He was arraigned before a bail commissioner and released on personal recognizance.
Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation is asked to call Smithfield detectives at (401) 231-2500.
