'Hobbyist' likely behind Central Park explosive, says NYPD

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An experimenter or hobbyist is likely behind the explosive device stepped on by a college student, causing it to explode inside Central Park, according to the NYPD Bomb Squad.

Surgeons amputated Connor Golden's left foot following the incident near East 60th St. and 5th Ave. on July 3.

"There are people fascinated with this kind of thing. The fascination grows at this time of year for obvious reasons. We believe we have somebody who made this material and then wanted to test it," said Lt. Mark Torre, director of the NYPD Bomb Squad.

Investigators do not believe there was malicious intent involved in the placement of the device, but they have not said what lead them to that determination.

Results from tests on the explosives are expected to be released this week.

Golden, 18, is from Fairfax, Virginia, and is student at the University of Miami.

He remains in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital, according to police.