SOMERVILLE, N.J. — A father and son have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the detonation of a homemade explosive device at a public park in Manville that injured a man and caused widespread property damage, prosecutors announced Friday.
Thomas Kaiser, 60, of South Plainfield, and Erich Kaiser, 29, of Monmouth Junction, entered guilty pleas on March 28 before Superior Court Judge Angela F. Borkowski in connection with the July 6, 2024, explosion at Cooper Street Park.
Thomas Kaiser pleaded guilty to second-degree Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage, fourth-degree Aggravated Assault, and third-degree Criminal Mischief. He faces a potential six-year prison sentence. Erich Kaiser pleaded guilty to fourth-degree Aggravated Assault and third-degree Criminal Mischief and is expected to receive probation, with a suspended 180-day county jail term. Both defendants will be required to pay restitution to the victims.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 8:16 p.m., when Thomas Kaiser brought a homemade metal explosive device filled with powder to the park. Erich Kaiser placed the device in an open area and lit the fuse. The resulting blast sent shards of metal flying, seriously injuring a 34-year-old man and damaging several homes and vehicles nearby.
Investigators from the Manville Borough Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene and led the investigation.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 23.
Key Points
- Thomas and Erich Kaiser pleaded guilty for setting off a homemade explosive in Manville park.
- One man was seriously injured and several homes and vehicles were damaged in the July 2024 incident.
- Thomas Kaiser faces up to six years in prison; Erich Kaiser likely to receive probation.