New Jersey authorities have had a difficult few months dealing with gyms in the state.
Bearded gym owner Ian Smith became a hero to some, and a villain to others, after he defied Governor Phil Murphy’s order to close all fitness centers.
Smith, and his co-owner Frank Trumbetti, who operated the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, defied Murphy for months claiming that the state was denying them a right to make a living. Eventually, they were arrested and now face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, as well as ongoing criminal prosecution.
Last week, after New Jersey finally gave gyms across the state the green light to reopen, Smith admitted that he and his business partner face a dire situation because of their defiance.
“We’re still screwed,” Smith told local radio station New Jersey 101.5.
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Now comes a gym problem of an entirely different type.
On Friday, police evacuated residents from a street in New Jersey’s Gloucester City after making an arrest in connection with a predawn explosion at a gym.
Dwayne Vandergrift Jr., 35, was taken into custody Friday at his home on the 700 block of Powell Street, according to local police.
He was charged in connection with a blast around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday on the 500 block of South Broadway, NJ.com reported.
No injuries were reported from the explosion.
Vandergrift also is charged with weapons and drug crimes, police said.
“The investigation is still ongoing and further charges may be forthcoming,” police said.
Vandergrift is accused of detonating a device at the entrance to G City Crossfit, a gym also known as Bellum Strength and Conditioning, officials said.
The 700 block of Powell Street was evacuated “until the suspect’s residence was deemed safe from explosives and a search warrant as executed,” police said..
Vandergrift is being held in Camden County Jail.
Authorities said security camera footage showed the defendant fleeing the area moments before the device exploded, badly damaging the front door and shattering glass at the gym.
Investigators allege that “substantial quantities” of bomb-making materials were found in the defendant’s home and a search of his computer revealed research on how to build and use explosive devices such as pipe and pressure cooker bombs.
No information on the motive for the crime has been released yet.