Monticello man charged with arson after basement explosion injuring deputy

MONTICELLO — A Monticello man faces a first-degree arson charge, accused of causing an explosion in his home’s basement that injured a Jones County deputy last month.

David J. Costello, 62, had threatened to set off a bomb at his home Nov. 17 when Monticello police and a deputy were called to his home at 606 N. Sycamore St.

As officers attempted to talk with Costello, he ignited a propane torch near a natural gas line he had opened. The officer and deputy were “consumed in a flash fire” from the resulting explosion, according to a criminal complaint.

The Monticello Fire Department put out a fire of nearby combustible materials, the complaint stated.

The deputy was treated for minor injuries, and Costello was taken to a hospital for a medical and psychological evaluation.

Costello, who was arrested Tuesday, is being held on $25,000 cash-only bond on the arson charge, which is a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.