Salem Township, PA -- A judge ordered a New Alexandria man to stand trial on charges of attempted homicide following a preliminary hearing on Monday.

James Sever, 54, is accused of placing an explosive device under a lawnmower belonging to his former landlord.

After a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial Judge Jason Buczak, all criminal charges of attempted homicide, weapons of mass destruction, and aggravated assault against Sever were held for court. 

The investigating state trooper testified at Monday's hearing, in addition to the landlord who was injured as a result of the explosion. 

The incident happened in July and Sever was on the run for nearly two months before being spotted by an off-duty trooper and eventually captured in Indiana County. 

State police responded to the property on Route 22 in Salem Township on Sunday, July 20, 2025 for a reported explosion. 

The victim told troopers he was attempting to operate his riding lawnmower when an explosion occurred. 

State Police's Hazardous Device and Explosives Section, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, responded to the scene and confirmed an explosive device, similar to a pipe bomb, was placed underneath the lawn mower. 

Police learned the victim recently evicted a tenant, James Sever, from the residence and the property.

The victim told police Sever was angry that he was evicted and made several threats toward the victim. 

Inside of the garage, police located pieces of metal pipe, shrapnel, nails, screws, battery, and wire components. Police also located a piece of a metal pipe that pierced the wall as a result of the explosion. 

The judge denied Sever's request for bail at Monday's hearing. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.