The tragic explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility has prompted a thorough investigation into possible connections with explosives discovered in Santa Monica. This devastating incident occurred on Friday at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East L.A., resulting in the loss of three dedicated deputies while they were handling explosive materials. As of now, the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined.
According to department spokesperson Nicole Nishida, investigators were led to an apartment complex located in the 800 block of Bay Street in Santa Monica as part of the ongoing investigation into the explosion. The three deputies who lost their lives had responded to an emergency call to assist the Santa Monica Police Department at the same complex just a day prior to the explosion.
A significant lead in the investigation was the recovery of a grenade at the Santa Monica apartment complex on Thursday, as reported by a city police officer. Sources close to the investigation have indicated that authorities are working to determine whether these explosives are linked to the deadly blast at the training academy.
Michael Kellman, a resident of the apartment building, shared insights with The Times, explaining that a fellow tenant had alerted the police after discovering a bag containing grenades in her storage unit. This resident, who has lived in the building for several years, believes that the bag was left behind by a former occupant. Following this discovery, authorities returned on Friday to search the apartment for any additional explosives.
In response to the potential danger, the Santa Monica Police Department evacuated residents from the Bay Street apartment building on Friday afternoon. As the investigation continues, the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad are providing critical assistance. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is expected to take the lead in a federal investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
Residents, such as Nancy, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the moment officers knocked on their doors to inform them of an “active investigation” requiring immediate evacuation. When she inquired about her nanny’s ability to move their car, an officer firmly stated, “No one is allowed.”
On the morning of the explosion, witnesses reported hearing a massive boom around 7:30 a.m. emanating from the parking lot where the sheriff’s bomb squad stores its vehicles, followed by the sound of glass shattering and screams. Rich Pippin, president of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, described the day as the “worst day in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.” He expressed the profound grief felt by the department, stating, “You never get up in the morning expecting this kind of news, never, and sadly, as often as we deal with this, it does not get easier.”
On Friday evening, the deputies were identified as Dets. Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn. They had dedicated 19, 22, and 33 years of service to the department, respectively. The loss of these officers not only impacts their families and friends but also the entire community, which is now coming together to mourn this tragic loss.
