Small Bomb Shatters Windows Of Starbucks Restaurant In New York City

"A predawn blast from an explosive device damaged a sidewalk bench and shattered windows at a Starbucks coffee shop on the Upper East Side on Monday, the police said. No one was injured, but the authorities were investigating whether it was linked to previous blasts in Manhattan.

Residents near the Starbucks, at 1642 Third Avenue, at 92nd Street, were jolted awake about 3:30 a.m., when the device exploded, setting off car alarms.

The authorities said that investigators were trying to determine whether Monday’s blast was linked to three others that occurred at similar times of day around Manhattan. The previous attacks were on the Times Square military recruiting station in 2008; on the Mexican Consulate at 27 East 39th Street in 2007; and on an office building housing the British Consulate at 845 Third Avenue in 2005.

Each early-morning explosion inflicted little damage and caused no casualties. A bicyclist was spotted or caught on surveillance video at the scene of the three previous attacks. There have been no arrests, the police said."

ORIGINAL SOURCE: NYTimes.com