One Sonoma County man has been detained after igniting an explosive device and throwing it under a Sonoma County Sheriff’s patrol car. This incident began shortly before noon today as a deputy was getting lunch from the Safeway grocery store in Guerneville.
The deputy had parked his car on the west side of the parking lot and entered Safeway. As he was in the store there was a loud explosion from the parking lot that rattled the windows of the Safeway. The deputy ran out to the parking lot to see people pointing at a man running northbound through the parking lot and was being chased by, what was later determined to be, an off-duty law enforcement officer. The off-duty officer was able to tackle the suspect and hold him until the deputy arrived and they quickly handcuffed him.
The suspect was holding a backpack at the time of the arrest that was believed to contain more explosive devices. The suspect was removed from the scene and transported to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Substation nearby while other deputies evacuated the Safeway and surrounding area.
Witnesses saw the man throwing suspicious items under his patrol car prior to the loud explosion. One witness near the explosion was a Safeway employee who suffered minor injuries. She was treated at the scene and was able to return to work. There were no other injuries reported.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad arrived and neutralized the backpack, rendering it safe. At this time the parking lot is still closed as the Sheriff’s bomb dog is sweeping the area for more explosives and the suspect’s car is being investigated for further explosives. The Safeway store is open for business with limited access. All other businesses in Guerneville are open and the town of Guerneville is considered to be safe on this busy tourist weekend.
The suspect’s name is not being released at this time however he is believed to be a local Sonoma County man. More information will be released as details are learned. Sheriff’s Detectives have been called to the scene and have initiated an investigation into this matter.
