Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department announced that a borough man was arrested and charged with arson, intentionally detonating explosive devices and possession of two pipe bombs.
According to authorities, Joseph M. Colucci, 59, of Middlesex Borough was arrested Sunday and charged with one count of arson in the third degree, one count of possession of prohibited weapons and devices, specifically destructive devices in the third degree, and one count of causing or risking widespread injury or damage in the fourth degree.
Officials say on on Feb. 9th, Middlesex Police responded to an emergency aid call at West 2nd Street and located two pipe bombs inside the residence. An evacuation was ordered, and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit were called to the scene. It was determined that the devices were not a hazard.
A preliminary investigation determined that Colucci, the homeowner, was in possession of the two pipe bombs and homemade bomb-making material, including gun powder. It was also determined that between October 18, 2017, and November 8, 2017, Colucci detonated a pipe bomb in the immediate area near the Warrenville Road bridge in the borough.
The investigation is active and continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel McCue of the Middlesex Borough Police Department at (732) 356-1900 ext. 312, or Detective Nicholas Chiorello of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3176.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Colucci are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.