Man in Rhode Island arrested, released, after explosive devise damages home

Police have arrested a man after an explosion at a home in Rhode Island.

According to Smithfield Police, on May 27, at 8:45 a.m., members of the Smithfield Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Greenbrier Road for a report that a window on the residence was damaged by some type of explosive device. Upon arrival, officers noted that the window and screen had been destroyed, and charring could be seen on the frame. The resident and numerous neighbors reported hearing some type of explosion at 5:00 a.m.

Members of the Smithfield Police Detective Division responded to the scene, as well as investigators from the RI State Fire Marshalls Office. Evidence on scene indicated that a small improvised explosive device caused the damage to the home. The victims reported to police that they felt it was possibly related to an ongoing dispute that they were having with another individual. The residents had also previously reported that a vehicle was vandalized at the home on May 21, 2020.

Based upon an investigation into the May 21st incident, Smithfield Police were able to obtain a warrant for the arrest of 35-year-old Anthony D. Rubino. At approximately 4:30 p.m., Detectives and Patrol Officers responded to 6 Sprague Street in Smithfield and arrested Rubino without incident. Further investigation revealed that Rubino was also responsible for placing the explosive device at the residence on Greenbrier Road earlier in the day.

Smithfield Police charged Anthony Rubino with Placing of Explosive Devices, Arson- 4th Degree, and Vandalism / Malicious Injury To Property. He was processed at the Smithfield Police Department, then arraigned on the charges in front of Bail Commissioner Christopher Millea. Rubino was released on $10,000 Personal Recognizance on the Felony charges and scheduled to appear for Pre-Arraignment Conference on August 25, 2020. Personal Recognizance was set at $1,000 for the vandalism charge, with a date to appear for Pre-trial of September 15, 2020.

Anyone having further information about this incident is asked to contact Detectives at (401) 231-2500.