Vending

Vending machine bombing suspects made two failed attempts before blast

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May 11, 2026

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Two men accused of detonating an explosive inside a cupcake vending machine in Syracuse allegedly attempted to access the building housing the machine on two separate days before successfully carrying out the attack, according to a Syracuse.com report.

Prosecutors said the suspects were unable to enter the building on April 8 and April 9 before one of them gained access on April 10, when the lobby was unlocked.

Authorities said surveillance video showed a man entering the building at 404 Oak St. around 1:42 p.m. and placing an object inside a pink Cupcakes R Me vending machine moments before it exploded. The individual was seen fleeing the lobby just before the blast. The explosion destroyed the machine and forced an evacuation of the office building, though no injuries were reported.

Prosecutors identified the suspects as Bay E. Rosario, 30, and Strauthmeek Hosea, 21. The men face charges including first-degree arson, conspiracy and weapons offenses. Rosario was identified as the former boyfriend of the vending machine owner, and prosecutors allege he drove Hosea to the building during the failed attempts and later acted as the getaway driver after the explosion.

Court documents also allege Rosario led police on a high-speed pursuit after the incident, driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit and disregarding traffic controls. Police said Rosario discarded a loaded .357 Smith & Wesson revolver during the chase, which officers later recovered. The blast prompted a large emergency response involving a bomb squad, crime scene investigators, fire crews and multiple police units.