REPORT: Rolling Stones Guitarist Keith Richards Was Bomb-Maker's Target

Update 3:30 p.m. 

Taking exception to a New York Daily News report released Friday (see below), Fairfield police say the 65-year-old town man arrested Monday after authorities found bomb-making materials in his home never was suspected of targeting Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

Rather, police tell Patch, Joseph Callahan of Bronson Road made "an off the cuff remark about building some sort of device for Keith Richards because he heard Keith Richards liked fireworks."

The pair never communicated and Callahan never attempted to reach the Weston resident, police say.


Original story: Oct. 11, 2 p.m.
The 65-year-old Connecticut man arrested this week after authorities found bomb-making materials in his Fairfield home had been targeting Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, the New York Daily News says.

Citing a report in the Fairfield Citizen, the Daily News reports that following his arrest, Joseph Callahan, pictured, of 1625 Bronson Rd., told police of his plans to blow up the Rolling Stones guitarist. Callahan's lawyer has denied the claim, NBC Connecticut reports. Richards, who two years ago insured a finger for $1.6 million, lives in Weston, CT — a bordering town, northwest of Fairfield.

As reported on Fairfield Patch, state and federal officials arrested Callahan Oct. 7 and charged him with several felonies including manufacturing a bomb following a weeklong investigation that was sparked by a report of a burglary at the home. The home is located just north of downtown Fairfield and less than a half-mile from an elementary school.

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.