Brooklyn Man Charged with Throwing Explosive Device into Verizon Utility Van in Road Rage Attack

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, an indictment was unsealed charging Kevindale Nurse with arson for allegedly throwing an explosive device into a Verizon utility work van during a road rage attack in Crowns Heights, Brooklyn.  Nurse was arrested today and will make his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.  

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and indictment.

“As alleged, Nurse deliberately threw an explosive device into the window of another vehicle on a public road, endangering the lives of the vehicle’s occupants and others in the area,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Unfortunately, road rage is an all-too common occurrence in our communities.  But this dangerous and senseless attack on a busy intersection in the heart of Brooklyn was beyond the pale.  We will vigorously prosecute this case.”

“The defendant committed an unconscionable act by using explosives during a road rage incident, disregarding the potentially deadly consequences when he threw an explosive device in a neighboring vehicle. Thanks to strong law enforcement partnerships and the investigative efforts of ATF NY’s Arson & Explosives Task Force comprised of ATF Special Agents, FDNY Fire Marshals and NYPD Detectives, the NYPD 71st Precinct Detective Squad, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York this defendant will now face the consequences of his horrific actions,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller.

“There is no place in civil society for the spreading of fear through intimidation, violence, and destruction,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I commend the work of our NYPD investigators, along with our law enforcement partners at the ATF and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, for their dedication and collaboration in bringing this accused criminal to justice.”

As described in court filings, on the evening of January 31, 2024, Nurse, who was driving a white minibus, or commuter “dollar van,” also occupied by his four-year-old son, cut off a Verizon utility van.  The two Verizon repairmen in the van were working that day on high-speed data lines and fiber optic equipment. Surveillance video captured Nurse driving erratically before stopping the white minibus next to the Verizon van at the intersection of President Street and Brooklyn Avenue in Crown Heights, and opening the door of the minibus. Nurse allegedly threw an explosive device into the driver’s side window of the Verizon van, causing an explosion inside the vehicle. The two Verizon repairmen inside sustained multiple injuries, and their van was extensively damaged by the blast. 

The charge in the indictment is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Nurse faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Megan Larkin is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

KEVINDALE NURSE
Age:  36
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-322 (MKB)