Pasadena, California – A 63-year-old man has been taken into custody by the Pasadena Police in connection with over 150 mysterious explosions that have plagued a neighborhood in the city over the span of two years. The loud blasts near Allen Avenue and Washington Boulevard alerted residents and were detected by ShotSpotter technology, commonly utilized by law enforcement agencies to locate gunfire sources.
Law enforcement officials revealed that there were 14 recent explosions in the area, leading investigators to identify two vehicles linked to the incidents. Following their lead, officers located the registered owner, a Pasadena resident, who was apprehended on May 16 after an explosion was heard and witnessed by police in the vicinity of his 2013 BMW.
According to Pasadena police statements, evidence related to the explosion was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of these incidents. The individual, identified as Art Leon Berian, has been charged with three felony counts of explosives with intent to injure or intimidate, with a bond set at $1.5 million.
Details regarding Berian’s motive and the specifics of the explosions remain undisclosed at this time. An attorney to represent Berian’s case was not immediately confirmed, with an arraignment scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Those with information relevant to the case have been encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police at 626-744-4241 or anonymously provide tips to “Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-8477.