Explosive device worn by man detonates during Charlestown encounter with police

A man in apparent emotional distress detonated an explosive device he was wearing during a confrontation with Boston police in Charlestown early Monday morning, leaving him seriously injured, according to a police report.

The man was taken into custody and then to the hospital after the detonation. He faces explosives charges, according to a police report.

Officers responded around 1 a.m. to the area of Mishawum and Main streets after the man called 911 and said he did not feel safe, the report said. They encountered what was described as an emotionally disturbed man holding a device in his left hand.

The man allegedly told officers it was an explosive device, and police observed wires extending from it up and around his neck.

The report said the man was “rambling about the illegal and wrongful persecution of witches, many conspiracy theories about the US government and not wanting to go back to the hospital.” He insisted he didn’t want to hurt anyone, only himself, and just wanted someone to listen to his demands.

Read more: NBC Boston