Jones Co. Deputy Injured At Monticello Home Explosion

A Jones County Sheriff's Deputy was injured during a home explosion in Monticello on Wednesday night. KCRG reports that authorities do have the suspect in custody.

The Jones County Sheriff's office received a 911 call at around 7:38 p.m. on Wednesday night about a possible disturbance. The Monticello Police Department was then dispatched to the call at 606 North Sycamore Street in Monticello. KCRG reports that upon arriving, a female reported a disturbance with her husband who she then told police was threatening to blow up their house.

Officials say that a Monticello police officer and a Jones County Sheriff's deputy arrived at the home and found 62-year old David John Costello in the basement. KCRG reports that authorities were trying to communicate with Costello when he set off the explosive device in the home. Following the explosion, Costello was taken into police custody. Officials say that both Costello and the Jones County Sheriff's deputy were both transported to Jones Regional Medical Center. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Police officials have not identified the injured deputy.

Costello is being held on a court-ordered committal. The Monticello Fire Department also responded to the incident and put out the fire in the basement of the home. KCRG reports that surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution. The Cedar Rapids Hazardous Devices Unit also responded to the incident and helped secure the home. The State Fire Marshall's office is investigating the cause of the explosion.

Other departments that responded to the call included the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Anamosa Police Department, Cascade Police Departments, Monticello Fire Department, Monticello Ambulance Service, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of State Fire Marshall, Cedar Rapids Hazardous Devices Unit, and the Iowa State Patrol.