Connecticut Man Had 100 Pounds of Explosives & Wanted to Blow Up Keith Richards

Joseph Callahan, 69, of Fairfield, Connecticut, was charged Monday after police discovered Tuesday October 1 that he had hundreds of pounds of explosives and a detailed knowledge of bomb making. Local newspaper the Fairfield Citizen reported that the incident triggered a hazmat emergency as police struggled to figure out what to do with the explosives.

Callahan, who is reportedly being very cooperative with police, has agreed to shoulder the expenses necessary for the proper removal and disposal of the explosive materials. He is described as being a chemist, businessman, and pilot.

Here is what you need to know about the bizarre incident and how it involves a rock and roll legend:

1. His House Was Full of Guns and Explosives

Police say that when they arrived at Callahan’s house in response to a breaking and entering call on Tuesday October 1, he began speaking openly and casually about bomb making. The Connecticut Post reports that when police asked about large containers in the large house’s garage, Callahan identified their contents as highly explosive ammonium nitrate, even telling them, “That’s the chemical used in the 1994 World Trade Center bombing.”

Callahan reportedly went on to talk about his passion for rocket building and his possession of detonation cords.

When the police asked about a rife case on the floor, Callahan then revealed to them a stash of 274 guns, more than 200 of them rifles. All of the weapons, according to the Fairfield Citizen, were legally acquired and registered under Callahan’s name.

2. He Wanted to Kill Keith Richards

According to the arrest warrant, while talking with police Callahan mentioned that he had a large bomb in the garage that he was making for the purpose of killing Rolling Stone rock legend Keith Richards.

He told police that the large bomb was located in the garage next to the spray tank, and also told them he could not remember if he had already attached a fuse. Below you can see that Callahan lives about 11 miles from Richards’ Weston, Connecticut, mansion.

3. Police Were at His Home Twice on Monday October 1

(Facebook)

Police arrived for the first time at the 69-year-old Callahan’s house at 1625 Bronson Road Tuesday morning after his ex-wife called police to check up on him. Mary called the police that day to tell them that she had not heard from him in over 24 hours and wanted police to make sure he was alright.

Later that day, Callahan called the police himself when he thought someone had broken into his home and stolen his prescription medication. Callahan began talking about his explosives while the police were searching for an intruder.

4. He’s From an Affluent Neighborhood

Fairfield County is one of the wealthiest in the country and Callahan’s house, 1625 Bronson Street in Fairfield Connecticut, fits appropriately.

The house, which you can see above, has 5 bedrooms and was valued this month at $1,180,086 according to zillow.com. The large garage was reportedly filled with explosive materials.

5. He’s Charged with 119 Felony Counts

There are opposing reports on the charges that have been brought against Callahan. The Connecticut Post is reporting that Callahan has been charged with 112 counts of illegal possession of explosives, six counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, and one count of the manfacture of bombs.

The Fairfield Citizen is reporting the Callahan faces only 11 counts of illegal possession of explosives.

His defense attorney made a statement Tuesday that, “He is a delightful gentleman who never had any intention to make a bomb and never intended to hurt anybody.”