Delco Man Threw Molotov Cocktail At Police: DA

A Delaware County man is behind bars after throwing a Molotov cocktail-style weapon at law enforcement officers who were attempting to bring him into custody Aug. 9, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's office. One Sheriff's Sergeant was hospitalized for burns suffered in the incident, but is recovering at home now, officials said.

Jeromy A Jones, 39, of Collingdale, has been charged with four counts of felony assault of a law enforcement officer; eight felony counts of arson presenting a danger of death or bodily injury; felony possession of incendiary materials; resisting arrest; possession of an instrument of crime; obstruction law enforcement; four counts of attempted murder; and four counts of murder in the first degree, court records show.

Jones was held on $1 million bail after being arraigned Thursday, Aug. 10, court documents show.

Jones allegedly attacked law enforcement officers Wednesday Aug. 9 at a Collingdale Borough residence when they attempted to bring him into custody on a probation violation warrant, according to a police affidavit.

Collingdale Police and Delaware County Sheriff's Department deputies and sergeants converged on the residence and ordered Jones out, but after some time with no one answering the door, authorities began to leave the scene, the affidavit says.

That's when police allege Jones threw a makeshift flammable weapon at officers. One Sheriff's Sergeant was engulfed him in flames when the weapon landed at his feet, police said. That sergeant suffered second- and third-degree burns on his legs, calves and elbow, police said. He is now recovering form the injuries, officials said.

Authorities were able to take Jones into custody shortly thereafter.

Jones reportedly told police he filled a clear bottle with what he thought was kerosene, poured it into a bottle, stuffed a cloth into the top, lit the cloth, then threw it at officers. Police said during that interview Jones smelled of gasoline.

After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, officers found several containers with wicks containing suspected gasoline, the affidavit said.

Jones will appear for his preliminary hearing Aug. 22, court records show.

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office