PASADENA, Calif. – A 63-year-old man has been arrested by Pasadena police for allegedly setting off more than 150 explosions over a nearly two-year period. Art Leon Berian was taken into custody last Thursday and is now facing three felony counts of possession of explosives with intent to injure or intimidate. His bail has been set at $1.5 million.
The explosions, which caused fear and panic among residents, primarily occurred in the middle of the night around the area of Allen Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Despite most incidents going unreported, Pasadena’s fire investigator was able to track the explosions through the city’s ShotSpotter system, leading authorities to focus on specific streets.
Video evidence posted on Nextdoor revealed two suspect vehicles linked to Berian. Detectives were able to capture footage of a related explosion during their investigation, which ultimately led to Berian’s arrest after an explosion occurred in the vicinity while they were collecting evidence.
Berian was apprehended after detectives observed his car driving through a white cloud of smoke following another explosion in the area. Subsequently, evidence related to the explosion was collected from his vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Pasadena Police Department. Tipsters can choose to remain anonymous by reaching out to Crime Stoppers or visiting their website for more information.
The arrest of Berian brings relief to the community plagued by these mysterious explosions, allowing residents to feel safer in their neighborhood once again. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the motives behind Berian’s actions and whether there are any additional suspects involved.
In a statement, Pasadena City Councilmember Felicia Williams expressed gratitude for the police efforts in apprehending the suspect and ensuring the safety of the community. The collaboration between law enforcement and residents played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending Berian, underscoring the importance of community involvement in maintaining public safety.