Thursday, Dec. 06, 2012

Bomb squad detonates explosive

The Merced Police Department bomb squad detonated a homemade explosive in Los Banos over the weekend.

"At this point, we don't think there was any criminal intent, but it was very dangerous," said Cmdr. Ray Reyna Jr.

The Los Banos police responded to the 500 block of Vineyard Drive around 9:36 p.m. Saturday after a report of a fire and an explosion, police said.

Officers found a live improvised explosive in the street and a small fire. The device was not near a vehicle or structure and did not appear to be intended for a specific victim, police said.

The Merced Police Department bomb squad responded, examined the device and detonated it. No injuries were reported and no culprits are in custody, police said.

"We're hoping someone may come forward with information about this before someone gets seriously hurt," Reyna said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Elias Reyes at (209) 827-7070, ext. 147.

To leave an anonymous tip, call (209) 827-7070, ext. 288, or go to the police department Web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the "Contact" page, click on the "report graffiti and other crime" link.

-- Thaddeus Miller

— Thaddeus Miller