NEWPORT (AP) — A Claremont man accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a house and threatening the residents inside was sentenced to prison.
Dalton Rowe, 29, pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges, including reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and possession of an infernal machine and was ordered to serve at least two years in prison, the Valley News reported.
The Claremont resident has had past issues with drugs and alcohol, and said he is currently being treated for schizophrenia.
Rowe’s attorney, Ben St. Pierre, said his client was intoxicated and not on his medication when he arrived at the house on Oct. 22.
Prosecutors said he entered the house that night and began to scream for his “significant other.” When one of the tenants told him the woman wasn’t around, Rowe pulled out two knives and threatened her and the other tenants, Deputy County Attorney Justin Hersh said Wednesday.
After being kicked out of the house, Rowe returned 20 minutes later and threw a homemade device at the building, causing what one resident described as a “big flame,” Hersh said.
“I’m sorry for the crimes … for what happened,” Rowe said during his court appearance. “I’m doing much better now.”
As part of his sentencing agreement, Rowe will be considered to undergo a substance abuse treatment program during his second year in prison. He may be given an early work release or the ability to return home with an ankle monitor if he completes the program, according to Hersh.
The judge also ordered him to a suspended 3½- to seven-year sentence for the infernal device charge.
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