CORNELIUS, OR – A woman narrowly escaped a violent attack at her Cornelius apartment, where authorities say her ex-boyfriend attempted to kill her after allegedly detonating an explosive device early Friday morning.
The intended target, whose identity authorities have not released, had been living in fear after receiving a barrage of threatening messages from her former partner in the hours preceding the incident. According to police, she had been the recipient of aggressive texts late Thursday night, warning her that he knew her whereabouts and was coming for her.
Investigators say that the dramatic events unfolded shortly before dawn at a residence in the 200 block of North 10th Street. A tenant who opened the apartment door found a masked figure clad in black standing outside. He quickly shut the door, moments before an object clattered against it. Seconds later, an explosion shattered the early morning silence, hurling debris and damaging the entryway. At least one round of gunfire was reported as well, though no injuries occurred.
Neighbors in this quiet suburb west of Portland reported seeing the suspect fleeing the scene on an electric bicycle. Law enforcement later arrested 37-year-old Samuel Christian Lund, charging him with five counts of attempted murder and a series of other felonies, including unlawful manufacture and possession of destructive devices, first-degree arson, and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.
In the aftermath, the woman informed police she recognized the pattern of intimidation from Lund, who had learned she was spending time with another man. She told investigators she knew of his access to an e-bike and had been alarmed by his increasingly menacing communications.
Authorities say that, upon questioning, Lund acknowledged sending the threatening messages but denied setting off the bomb. Yet, he admitted to having experience handling explosives and directed police to a homemade bomb in his garage. Court documents show that this evidence contributed to his swift arrest.
No one was hurt in the explosion, but the attack left the residents and their neighbors rattled. The quick evacuation and the prompt response by police are credited with preventing what could have been a far more catastrophic outcome.
Police records reveal that Lund has a history of violent behavior, having previously served five years in prison for an unrelated stabbing outside a grocery store in 2018. Lund remains in custody at the Washington County Jail, with no option for bond, as he awaits his next court appearance scheduled for November 17.
The woman at the center of the attack is receiving support from local authorities and victim services. Law enforcement continues to investigate the full extent of the attempted bombing and any additional threats, aiming to ensure the safety of all residents in the area.