SF Paramedic Arrested For Allegedly Detonating Explosive In Neighbor's Yard
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A paramedic with the San Francisco Fire Department was placed on non-working status after being arrested for setting off an explosive device in his neighbor's front yard in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood.
Police say the blast happened early Wednesday on Madrid Street. A neighbor told officers there was an extremely loud noise around 3 a.m. Another neighbor said there was a second explosion in the same area, also early Wednesday.
Investigators say he blew up a planter that left a 30-foot-wide debris field.
San Francisco Police Department spokeswoman Grace Gatpandan confirmed that the suspect's name is James Novello, 32, a resident of the city.
"The department has been made aware of the arrest and we are working collaboratively with the police department during the investigation," fire spokesman Jonathan Baxter said.
Novello is charged with possessing a destructive device and possession or manufacture of incendiary material.
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