Sheriff’s Investigate Explosive Device Placed in Mailbox

The Sheriff’s Department received a report of an explosion inside of a mailbox in the 4300 Block of La Canada Rd in Fallbrook. The home owner/caller advised that a possible vehicle involved was a small silver Nissan Pickup, and was last seen driving south bound on La Canada.

A Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter was in the immediate area and responded to assist, along with deputies from the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation. The patrol helicopter, ASTREA 1, observed a vehicle matching the description in the vicinity and began following it, while directing ground units to intercept it. The vehicle made it’s way to Hwy 76, then south bound I-15 where it was eventually stopped by patrol deputies at I-15 and Deer Springs. An investigation determined that the vehicle was probably not connected to the explosion, and the driver is not a suspect at this time.

Meanwhile, deputies responded to the residence and determined that the source of the explosion was most likely a small acid bomb, which had been contained in a 16-ounce water bottle. There was no noticeable damage to the mailbox. Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Investigators were notified of the incident. San Diego County Hazmat was notified and responded to neutralize any chemical residue at the scene.

The public should be reminded that a “sealed device containing chemically reactive substances assembled for the purposes of causing an explosion“, qualifies as a destructive device in the State of California and possession of such device is punishable by up to 1 year in state prison and a $10,000 fine. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200.

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