Fairfield Man Charged With Manufacturing a Bomb

A Fairfield man has been charged with several felonies including manufacturing a bomb following a weeklong investigation by federal, state and local authorities. 

Joseph Callahan, 65, of 1625 Bronson Road, Fairfield, was charged with one count of manufacturing a bomb, 11 counts of illegal possession of explosives and six counts of first-degree reckless endangerment on Monday, Oct. 7.

Following a report of a burglary on Oct. 1 at 4:20 p.m., police responded to the Bronson Road residence and after a brief investigation determined that Callahan was storing explosive and flammable materials in his home and a detached garage.

Authorities took Callahan into custody and spent the majority of the week taking chemicals and weapons out of his home. The home was recently deemed secure by emergency officials, but local authorities are awaiting the results of tests run on the chemicals found in the home.

Police seized 274 guns, numerous pounds of ammunition and several explosives from the home, according to Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy. The explosives were described as larger than a firework, with explosive power above an M-80, but below a stick of dynamite.

Fire officials report Callahan is fully cooperating with the investigation and remediation by offering to do whatever is necessary to quickly and safely mitigate the situation, including authorizing the removal and disposal of any chemicals that the Fire Marshal’s office and the CT DEEP deem hazardous.

Police and fire officials and HazMat technicians will remain on scene to confirm compliance with all court orders, according to Sergeant Suzanne Lussier.

A conditional promise to appear in court was issued in lieu of bond.  The terms of Callahan’s release are to cooperate with authorities to remediate his property. Callahan will appear in court on Oct. 16, according to Lussier.