Authorities: Explosive package purposely placed on Apex vehicle

A package that exploded on top of a SUV in an Apex subdivision Thursday afternoon was intentionally placed, authorities said.

The explosion took place on Glade Hill Drive inside the Heritage at Park at West Lake subdivision, located near Middle Creek High School.

"I heard an incredibly large boom," said Stefan Mroczkiewicz, who lives in the subdivision. "It shook the house. Looked out the window and saw there was a huge puff of smoke going down the street. I just assumed his car blew up."

Other neighbors thought the vehicle's engine exploded, but it was actually a small explosive device placed on the vehicle, authorities said. The vehicle's owner, who was inside the SUV, wasn't hurt and no injuries were reported, authorities said.

"At this point, we're not releasing any further information other than we want the public to know there's no public safety issue and we do believe it's an isolated incident," said Cary police Capt. Randall Rhyne.

​The subdivision has an Apex address but is in Cary's jurisdiction.

Homes on Moneta Lane and Bedford Ridge Drive were evacuated as a precaution.

Optimist Farm Road between West Lake and Pierce Olive roads was briefly closed late Thursday afternoon following the explosion.

For Todd Ireland, he's thankful the explosion didn't happen later in the day.

"Fortunately, I think most folks were gone, so from that aspect, it's good," he said.