A man from Spotswood has been charged with multiple criminal counts stemming from an incident which occurred on June 16, when he allegedly ignited an explosive device in the borough.
Anthony Fede, 52, of Spotswood, was charged on June 17 with two counts of aggravated arson in the second degree, three counts of aggravated assault in the second degree, one count of possession of an explosive device for an unlawful purpose in the second degree, one count of unlawful possession of an explosive device in the fourth degree, and one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree, according to a joint statement provided by Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey, Chief James J. Craparotta of the Jamesburg Police Department, and Chief Michael Zarro of the Spotswood Police Department.
On June 16, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Jamesburg police responded to the Tall Tree Apartments located on Buckelew Avenue on a report of an explosion.
A preliminary investigation determined that Fede allegedly placed an explosive device at the window of the apartment and ignited the device. At the time of the explosion, three occupants were asleep in the room, officials said.
The occupants were not identified. It is unknown if there is an existing relationship between the suspect and the occupants.
It is unknown if anyone was injured.
On June 17, in compliance with a court order, Jamesburg police, with the assistance of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT), and the Spotswood Police Department executed a search of Fede’s Spotswood residence. Allegedly recovered from the residence were several boxes of fireworks, marijuana and narcotics, as well as other evidence linking him to the previous explosion, officials said.
Additional charges were filed on June 18 which include three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled and dangerous substance in the third degree, possession of marijuana in the fourth degree, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in the third degree, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 500 feet of a public park in the second degree, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia a disorderly person offense, possession of a destructive device in the third degree, and possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose in the second degree, according to the statement.
The incident is being investigated by the Jamesburg Police Department. Anyone with information should call Sgt. Jason Muller at 732-521-0011.
