Bail was set at $50 thousand cash this afternoon for a 35-year-old male suspect following the report of a home explosion in Manitowoc. Court records show that police are recommending charges against Victor M. Cota of first-degree reckless endangerment of safety—reckless injury and six counts of possession of an explosive. Authorities responded shortly after 1:30 yesterday (Thursday) afternoon to a residence in the 900 block of South 29th street for the report of an explosion. Upon arrival-rescue personnel discovered a fire in the basement. Cota lives in the home owned by his parents who say they were cleaning up the basement when they noticed smoke coming from a large garbage bag. Two explosions occurred, with the first exploding a short distance away from his father’s hands, the impact caused a basement door to swing and hit his mother. Other entities including the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Brown/Outagamie County Bomb Squad, FBI, Manitowoc County Hazmat team, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs assisted on scene. A report indicated there were enough chemical explosive items to destroy multiple homes in the area. Rigoberto Cota was taken to a local hospital and treated for unspecified injuries with no other injuries reported. The investigation did not show signs of a drug lab in the home. Victor Cota told authorities he was beginning to make fireworks. Cota’s initial appearance is scheduled for March 25th at 1:30. Cota told authorities he was beginning to make fireworks. The investigation did not show signs of a drug lab in the home.
