A shocking incident occurred in Northeast Philadelphia two years ago when a man was caught on video throwing a firebomb at a home, resulting in flames erupting on the landing and street outside. The culprit, identified as Jason Mattis, 51, was found guilty in his federal trial on Thursday for using incendiary devices to target multiple properties in Tacony in late June and early July of 2022.
These firebombs, similar to Molotov cocktails, were constructed by filling bottles with a flammable liquid and attaching a fuse. The fuel inside creates a fireball upon impact, leading to quickly spreading flames. Mattis first struck at a home on the 6900 block of Hegerman Street, followed by two more attacks on a property less than a mile away on the 4900 block of Wellington Street. Surveillance footage captured Mattis stopping his car and hurling two lit devices at the front landing, igniting a fire.
The following night, Mattis repeated his dangerous act at a home on the 7100 block of Keystone Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of these incidents, and prosecutors have not provided a motive for Mattis’ actions.
Initially faced with three counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device, Mattis was convicted on one count during his jury trial. He now faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of probation, and a $250,000 fine.