March 1 (UPI) -- A suspected bomber arrested for planting a deadly package in New York City that killed a 73-year-old man was actually targeting a police officer, authorities said.
Victor Kingsley, charged with using a weapon of mass destruction, killed George Wray in Springfield Gardens on July 29. Wray died after he opened the package, which had been left on the front porch of his home.
Investigators said Kingsley was aiming for a police officer who arrested him in 2014 on a weapons possession charge, as part of an effort to retaliate against the NYPD.
Officials said Kingsley, though, erroneously placed the explosive outside of Wray's residence -- after his computer had logged Internet searches for the officer's name and information relating to bomb-making. Authorities said they also found other explosives and bomb-making materials in Kingsley's home.
According to investigators, the explosive device was contained in a mailing tube and consisted of a 9-volt battery, a battery case holder and a clothespin with screws as shrapnel.
Federal prosecutors say Kingsley sought out revenge against the officers and made telephone calls to determine the location of their residence.
"He could had blown off the whole block," Louise Joseph, a neighbor, told the New York Daily News. "We should have known. Right now we are upset."
Kingsley could serve a maximum sentence of life in prison and will be arraigned on Friday in a Brooklyn federal court.
