Pipe Bomb, 2 Other Explosive Devices Inside SUV Prompt Evacuations In Northridge
NORTHRIDGE (CBSLA.com) — A pipe bomb discovered inside a vehicle in Northridge Wednesday afternoon prompted evacuations.
Officers found the device in a Dodge SUV with Nevada plates after they pulled the motorist over for driving erratically near Reseda Boulevard and Devonshire Street around 12:50 p.m.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of a narcotics violation and possession of burglary tools.
"While clearing the car of the burglary tools, [officers] observed a pipe bomb, which was on the floorboard between the suspect's legs," LAPD North Hollywood Division Capt. Stephen Carmona said.
A bomb squad was called to the scene. A robot was used to bring the pipe bomb to a safe area before it was detonated.
Some businesses and residents were evacuated.
Nico Heredia said he went to check on his mother, who works nearby.
"She works at the Bank of America. They were all worried because they hadn't been evacuated yet. I spoke to some police about it and they said they were getting them out of the way," he said.
The Reseda-Devonshire intersection was closed for hours as police searched through the suspect's belongings.
KCAL9's Serene Branson reported that gas cans, along with two additional explosive devices, were later found inside the vehicle of the culprit, who has a history of arrests involving narcotics and explosives.
"There are some items in the car that are of concern. Anytime we have a device of that nature, we proceed with caution," Carmona said.
The LAPD's Major Crimes Division has taken over the investigation.
