Man tossed explosive device into California courthouse where he was about to be arraigned on a gun charge

Santa-Maria-Courthouse

Important Takeaways:

  • A 20-year-old man tossed an explosive device into the California courthouse where he was about to be arraigned on a gun charge and the explosion left five people with minor injuries and shut down the court complex and other nearby city buildings, police said.
  • The suspect ran away after the explosion and was captured as he tried to get into his vehicle parked nearby.
  • The man, who is from Santa Maria, was wearing body armor underneath his jacket, according to Santa Barbara County undersheriff, Craig Bonner, and was booked on attempted murder and explosives charges.
  • The suspect had been arrested last July for illegal gun possession and was to be arraigned on Wednesday. When he entered the courthouse and approached the screening station, he tossed a bag that then detonated.
  • Bonner said three of the five victims suffered burns. All were treated and released from a hospital. None were court employees.
  • Authorities evacuated a five-block radius of businesses, homes and a school after the explosion.
  • The courthouse will be closed on Thursday as police complete their investigation

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