Pot Growing Operation Uncovered At Elk Grove Home Following Fire
ELK GROVE (CBS13) – Neighbors saw no sign of a marijuana operation here, but police say they bust a few of these types of grows in Elk Grove a month.
It's a nice and quiet neighborhood. One neighborhood family said they spend most Mother's Days at home with a game of ball and a good old fashion barbeque.
But on this special Sunday, there was a disturbing surprise.
"The boom happened around 12:30 and news crews have been here all day," said neighbor Lisa Leese.
Cops came out to this upscale neighborhood following a loud explosion in a garage.
"It is crazy because we didn't know who was living there. I've never seen him before until today," Leese said.
The electrical box caught fire.
"Seemed like somebody was doing some illegal marijuana growing and overused their electricity," said Ralph Bell, another neighbor.
Police say the electricity was illegally diverted to power a house full of marijuana.
A search warrant also uncovered a rifle and guns – blocks away from a nearby high school and middle school.
"It's really shocking honestly, really shocking," Leese said.
Elk Grove Police say 26-year-old Christopher Fernandez operated an illegal marijuana grow. But Fernandez reportedly claims it's all for medical marijuana.
About 140 marijuana plants were found inside the home, along with about 10 pounds of processed marijuana, police say.