A Beaverton man is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted aggravated murder, after investigators say he detonated an explosive device outside a Cornelius apartment in an apparent attempt to harm his ex-girlfriend and another man.
Early Morning Explosion
According to court documents, police responded to a report of an explosion and gunfire at around 4 a.m. on October 6 at an apartment located at 267 North 10th Street in Cornelius.
One of the residents told investigators that he opened his front door that morning and saw a white man dressed entirely in black and wearing a ski mask standing in the stairwell. The witness said he quickly shut the door, moments before hearing a series of metallic “tink tink tink” sounds — followed by a blast that sent debris flying into the doorway.
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Police later recovered several shell casings near the door, suggesting the suspect also fired multiple shots after the explosion.
A nearby neighbor reported seeing the suspect leave the area on an E-Bike shortly after the blast. That account was later confirmed by security footage reviewed by detectives.
Suspect Identified Through Text Threats
Investigators soon identified the suspect as 37-year-old Samuel Christian Lund of Beaverton. A woman came forward to police, identifying herself as Lund’s ex-girlfriend, and told officers that Lund had been sending her threatening text messages in the days leading up to the explosion.
According to court documents, Lund appeared to believe that the woman was seeing another man. In one message, he allegedly wrote:
“You [expletive] turn around and spit in my face… I’m coming for you. I know where you’re at right now… you might as well just [expletive] come outside… I’ll be there shortly.”
Police say the content of those texts, combined with his ownership of an E-Bike and his history of violent behavior, led them to focus on Lund as the primary suspect.
Confession and Search Warrant Findings
Lund was later taken into custody. While he admitted to sending the threatening messages, he denied being at the Cornelius apartment when the explosion occurred. However, investigators said Lund also told officers that he had experience working with explosive devices and “could understand why police would think he is a suspect.”
Following his arrest, detectives executed a search warrant at Lund’s residence. Inside his garage, officers found a backpack containing explosive destruction devices, along with other components consistent with homemade bombs. The Portland Bomb Squad was called to safely secure and remove the devices.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
On Friday, November 7, Lund was arraigned on a series of serious charges, including:
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Five counts of attempted aggravated murder
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Four counts of unlawful use of a weapon
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First-degree arson
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Felon in possession of a firearm
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Unlawful manufacture of a destructive device
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Unlawful possession of a destructive device
Prosecutors allege Lund intentionally constructed and deployed an explosive with the goal of killing or seriously injuring his ex-girlfriend and her acquaintance. He remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on November 14.
History of Violence
This is not Lund’s first encounter with law enforcement. Court records show that in 2018, he was arrested after allegedly stabbing another man inside a Cornelius Fred Meyer store. That earlier case included a charge of attempted murder but was later dismissed, according to court documents.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Residents in the Cornelius neighborhood said the October 6 blast shook nearby homes and rattled windows. Police have assured the community that there is no ongoing threat, but emphasized the dangers posed by homemade explosives.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Portland Bomb Squad and the Oregon State Police, continue to investigate the case. Authorities are also reviewing electronic evidence, including Lund’s phone and messaging history, to determine if anyone else was involved in the plot.
Detectives credited quick police response and cooperation from witnesses for helping prevent further harm.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation,” one investigator noted. “Given the use of an explosive device in a residential area, it’s fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed.”
Lund remains held in the Washington County Jail as the case moves forward.
