Explosives Found In Man's Home After Blast By BurlCo Train Tracks: Police

MAPLE SHADE, NJ — A blast by the railroad tracks led to the arrest of a Maple Shade man with explosive materials in his home last week, authorities said.

Investigators found several explosive devices, explosive-making materials and containers designed to house explosives while searching Louis Monica's home and vehicle on Wednesday, police said.

The investigation began on March 10, when an explosion was reported in the grass near the railroad tracks on West Front Street in Maple Shade. Surveillance footage showed a white SUV slowing down, an object getting thrown out of a vehicle and an explosion that resulted in a dense, white cloud of smoke, police said.

After identifying Monica as the suspect, authorities searched his N Coles Avenue home. State Police, FBI bomb squads and the Burlington County Sheriff's Department assisted in the search.

The State Police Hazmat Unit confirmed the presence of explosive materials.

It's unclear whether authorities have determined a motive behind Monica's alleged possession of the explosives. Patch contacted Maple Shade police and will update when more information becomes available.

Monica, 61, was charged with causing or risking widespread injury or damage, possession of explosive destructive devices, and two counts of possession of weapons for unlawful purposes.