Police: Man Dies In Explosion On Front Lawn
COSTA MESA (CBSLA.com) — Orange County authorities Monday were investigating the death of a 52-year-old man who blew himself up on front lawn of his home.
The incident began Sunday evening when Costa Mesa police officers responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Bermuda Drive after receiving a call from neighbors about a man laying in his front yard.
The unidentified man refused the officers' help who then left the scene.
At 7:44 p.m., authorities received a second call from the same address regarding an explosion, police said.
"We were in the house when we heard the explosion," Laurie, a neighbor, said. "We always hear fireworks or whatever and didn't think much of it until the cops showed up."
It was unclear if the man committed suicide or if the explosion was accidental.
Neighbors say the victim had a very strong dislike for the government.
"He had a little newsletter that he would put out in front his house, kind of an anti-government-type thing," neighbor George Lampert said.
Authorities have obtained a search warrant for the property and have found at least three additional explosive devices resembling pipe bombs in or near the home, Sgt. Jerry Hildeman said.
More than a dozen surrounding residences have been evacuated as a precaution.
The explosion is being investigated by the Orange County Bomb Squad, the Huntington Beach Haz Mat Team, the FBI and the Costa Mesa Police Department.
No additional details were released.
