Man arrested for Blacksburg pipe bomb

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - A Roanoke man faces charges in connection with a pipe bomb explosion in Blacksburg.

Media outlets report that Blacksburg police charged 23-year-old Derick Gregory Wilson on Wednesday with the manufacture, possession, use of fire bombs or explosive materials.

Virginia State Police charged Wilson with possession of bomb-making material.

Lt. Steven Taylor told WAVY.com police responded to the 400 block of Harrell Street at about 2:50 a.m. after they received a call from someone who reported hearing a gunshot or explosion. When they arrived, officers determined an improvised explosive device detonated near several parked cars. One of the vehicles received significant damage, but no one was hurt.

A sports utility vehicle appears to have been targeted, according to Rich Marianos with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. A motive is unknown at this time.

Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and several other local law enforcement agencies are assisting the Blacksburg Police Department.

State police Sgt. Rob Carpentieri says the Blacksburg investigation led troopers to obtain a search warrant for a family member's residence in Roanoke.

Stay with WAVY News 10 on air and online for updates on this developing story.