A Nike, Inc. executive was accused Wednesday of attempting to blow up his Oregon home and harm his wife and four children.
James Speidel, 36, was arraigned Wednesday on five counts each of attempted aggravated murder and first-degree attempted assault, along with an attempted arson count, local media reported.
Bail was set at $1 million, with a court date scheduled for May 2, the Statesman Journal reported.
Speidel's wife, Laura Speidel, smelled natural gas Tuesday and fled her house with her four children, who range in age from 3 to 9, authorities said.
Authorities found an external gas line that appeared to have been intentionally severed. The gas line was placed so as to fill a crawl space beneath the house, which could have eventually led to an explosion.
Sheriff Deputies found James Speidel hiding in a nearby field. He was taken to a hospital to receive treatment for an unknown condition, local media reported. He was released from the hospital and is now in police custody.
Speidel is the business director of SPARQ, a Nike, Inc. athletic performance division. If convicted, Speidel faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.
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