Father, Son Arrested After Fireworks Explosion In Somerset County

MANVILLE, NJ — A father and son were arrested for causing a fireworks explosion that hospitalized one man and caused widespread damage in Manville, announced Manville Police Deputy Chief Craig Jeremiah.

Thomas Kaiser, 60, of South Plainfield, and Erich Kaiser, 28, of Monmouth Junction, were each charged with aggravated assault (one count, fourth-degree), possession of explosive device (one count, third-degree), and criminal mischief (three counts, third-degree, two counts disorderly persons).

On July 6, at around 8:15 p.m., Manville Police were notified of an explosion in the Valley section of the borough with a serious injury to an attendee of a party.

Police responded along with Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital where they treated a 34-year-old Bridgewater man for lower torso injuries.

He was treated on scene and then airlifted to a New Brunswick Trauma Hospital.

Manville Police Detectives responded to the scene along with technicians from the New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad.

Investigators learned the father and son duo attended a party and tried to set off a signal cannon (a device designed to create a large boom and smoke cloud when ignited), said Jeremiah.

The device exploded after being lit, sending shrapnel throughout the neighborhood, said Jeremiah.

An attendee of another party was injured because of the explosion with serious injuries to his abdomen. Additionally, several homes and vehicles were damaged from the explosion, said Jeremiah.

Thomas Kaiser and Erich Kaiser were released pending a first appearance in Somerset County Superior Court.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact The Manville Police Department at 908-725-1900 or the Manville Police Tips Line at 908-725-1900 Ext. 3 to provide information anonymously. Information can also be provided through the Stopit app.

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