South Brunswick Man, Dad Charged For Causing Fireworks Explosion

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A man from South Brunswick and his father were charged for causing a fireworks explosion that hospitalized one man and caused widespread damage in Manville, Police Deputy Chief Craig Jeremiah said.

Erich Kaiser, 28, of Monmouth Junction and Thomas Kaiser, 60, of South Plainfield, 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, Jeremiah said.

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, Jeremiah said.

Thomas and Erich 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.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com