By Jennifer Eden
The 2600 block of 32nd Street Santa Monica stood quiet Wednesday morning, showing little sign of the intense police presence and mandatory late-night evacuation the evening before.
Residents of the block told The Mirror that officers came to their doors at around 10 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, with the street swarming with police presence, issuing a 4-hour evacuation order. The move followed an LAPD investigation into two juveniles who live on the block, allegedly making bombs.
According to LAPD Pacific Division, the evacuation followed an earlier incident in the day, where another juvenile in Mar Vista was taken to Emergency after a home-made explosive device detonated, severely injuring the boy.
“On April 4 2017, around 2:30 p.m., LAPD Major Crimes Division detectives responded to Pacific Division where an investigation was conducted pursuant to a 911 call to LAFD,” LAPD Pacific Division said. “The investigation led detectives to a second location in the City of Santa Monica. As a result of the investigation, two juveniles were arrested for explosive related charges and released to their guardians. The investigation is ongoing, however, there is no indication that either juvenile was part of any greater plan or attack and this is an isolated incident.”
The LAPD Bomb Squad and Major Crimes Division (MCD) were currently conducting follow up investigations for explosive materials when contacted by The Mirror.
According to LAPD Pacific Division, explosive materials were found (homemade type of explosives) at the home of the two juveniles.
“We do not have any information, at this time, that would lead us to believe that there is a public safety issue,” LAPD Pacific Division said.
Santa Monica Police Department provided a support role in the operation.
