Man who caused explosion in front of courthouse was prosecuted there

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) — A 20-year-old man threw an explosive device into the California courthouse where he was to be arraigned on weapons charges. The explosion left five people slightly injured and paralyzed the courthouse complex and other nearby buildings in the city, police said.

The explosion occurred Wednesday morning in Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 residents on California’s central coast. The suspect fled after the explosion and was arrested as he tried to get into his vehicle parked nearby.

The Santa Maria man was wearing a body armor vest under his jacket and was arrested on attempted murder and explosives charges, according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Bonner. Officials are also investigating whether the suspect is connected to a series of recent arsons.

According to officials, the attack on the courthouse appeared to be related to his previous arrest for weapons possession and not for terrorism or any political violence.

“We believe this is a local matter that has been safely resolved and there are no outstanding concerns regarding the safety of the community,” Bonner said.

The suspect was arrested last July for illegal possession of weapons and was due to appear in court on Wednesday. As he entered the courthouse and approached the checkpoint, he threw down a bag, which then exploded.

Bonner said three of the five victims suffered burns. All were treated and released from the hospital. None were court employees.

After the explosion, authorities evacuated businesses, homes and a school within a five-block radius. The courthouse will remain closed Thursday while police complete their investigation. Those affected by the closure will be granted extensions to file petitions.

Shane Mellon told KSBY-TV that he was at the courthouse when he heard a sound like chairs falling over.

“It was a loud bang,” he said, adding that the bailiff escorted him and the others out.

Mellon said he saw what looked like a smoldering sweater and a man screaming while four or five people rushed at him and tried to hold him down.

“I think this could have been a lot worse if the cops hadn’t just attacked the guy,” Mellon said.

Santa Maria is located about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. This courthouse, which houses state and district courts, is where Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted of sexual abuse two decades ago.

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