CORNELIUS, OR – An explosion rocked a Cornelius apartment complex early in the morning on Oct. 6, sending debris scattering and residents into a panic after what authorities say was a targeted attack by a man upset over his former girlfriend’s new relationship.
Prosecutors allege Samuel Christian Lund, 37, is behind the blast, which took place around 4 a.m. in the 200 block of North 10th Street, a residential area just west of Portland. Lund now faces a string of serious charges, including five counts of attempted murder and four counts of unlawful use of a weapon, among other felonies.
According to investigators, a resident inside the apartment heard a commotion outside and, upon opening the door, spotted a man dressed entirely in black. Moments after quickly closing the door, the resident described hearing metallic clinking sounds, soon followed by a powerful explosion. Bullets were also fired at the apartment door during the incident, according to court documents.
Authorities say neighbors told them the suspect fled the scene on an electric bicycle. Despite the chaos and force of the explosion, no injuries were reported among the apartment’s occupants or nearby residents.
As the investigation unfolded, officers learned from a woman with connections to the apartment that her former boyfriend, Lund, had sent her a number of threatening messages the previous day. She told police that Lund had become enraged after discovering she was involved with another man, and that his texts included explicit threats and references to knowing her location.
Law enforcement officers traced the e-bike seen by witnesses back to Lund, as the woman confirmed he owned a similar model. When questioned by police, Lund reportedly acknowledged sending the threatening messages but denied detonating any explosives at the apartment.
However, according to the arrest affidavit, Lund admitted to having experience with explosives and told police he had a bomb stashed in his garage backpack. Officers are investigating whether this confession might connect him more directly with the bombing at the apartment.
Lund, a convicted felon, is currently being held without bail at the Washington County Jail. His criminal history includes a previous conviction for a stabbing outside a grocery store in 2018, for which he served a five-year prison sentence.
Authorities have charged Lund not only with attempted murder but also with arson, unlawful manufacture of a destructive device, felon in possession of a firearm, and several other serious offenses. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17.
Officials say the case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the escalation of personal disputes into violent attacks. The investigation remains active as law enforcement gathers more evidence regarding Lund’s alleged actions and the source of the explosive device.