U.S. | Sun Jan 22, 2017 | 4:42pm EST

Suspect in Boston police car propane attack arrested

A man suspected of leaving a burning propane tank next to a Boston squad car last week was taken into custody after an investigation into the incident, police said on Sunday.

Asim Kieta, 42, was arrested late on Saturday in the city's Charlestown section and charged with possession of an explosive device, arson and assault with intent to murder, among other counts.

Kieta, a Boston native, is homeless and has an extensive police record, Police Commissioner William Evans told a briefing on Sunday. He characterized the act as "deliberate" but said investigators were still uncertain of a motive.

Police were on high alert nationwide on Friday as Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. president. Hundreds of protesters were arrested in Washington as sporadic violence broke out in the capital during the inauguration festivities.

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