Philadelphia

Police Show Person of Interest in Center City Bombing

A person wore two hats and a heavy coat as that person dropped off a homemade explosive that exploded in a Center City Philadelphia apartment, said Philadelphia Police.

The person, described by police as a person of interest, wore a "Elmer Fudd-like" lumberjack hat and a baseball cap as the person dropped off a package at Jim Alden's apartment along Pine Street -- not far from Rittenhouse Square.

Investigators showed photos of the person of interest Thursday and also said the device that blew up in Alden's hands was like no other seen on the East Coast. They also stressed that it appeared to be a targeted attack but they aren't sure if the person of interest simply delivered the device or manufactured it as well.

Surveillance images captured the delivery person on Lombard and Pine streets, said police.

Alden, who is cooperating with officials doesn't know why he was targeted, said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

Alden, 62, released a statement Tuesday updating people about his progress and thanking everyone for the support.

“What I want to say at this point is how overwhelmed I have been at the outpouring of love and support that I’ve received from my partner, family, friends, and coworkers,” Alden wrote.

On Nov. 22, Alden arrived home at his apartment on the 1800 block of Pine Street after being out of town to find the package that he thought contained asthma medication addressed to him. As he opened the package the contents inside exploded. The envelope, which was rigged with a bomb, contained some type of shrapnel, causing injuries to Alden’s face, chest and arms.

Alden, who pursued a career in theater before working as a restaurant manager and caterer at the Warwick Rittenhouse Hotel, faces more surgeries and a long road to recovery. [[403702046, C]]

"The 'shrapnel' damage to my face, chest and arms is slowly healing, and a blister on my ear drum is affecting my hearing, but is supposed to heal," Alden wrote. "At this point, I only know that I have a long road ahead of me, and I will likely be unable to work for quite some time."

CLICK HERE if you would like to donate to Alden’s medical funds.

Anyone recognizing the person of interest is asked to contact Philadelphia Police.

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