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Cal/OSHA Fines LASD for ‘Willful’ Safety Violations in 2025 Grenade Blast That Killed 3 Detectives

The ruling sets up a court fight over withheld records that could drive changes to bomb-squad training.

Overview

  • State workplace-safety officials issued eight citations in January totaling about $350,000, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has appealed.
  • Investigators found failures that included weak training, no required protective gear, poor hazard checks for transport and storage, and explosives left unattended or in unsuitable containers.
  • Cal/OSHA sued the department in January to force records production after receiving limited, heavily redacted files, while LASD says some FBI-linked training materials are too sensitive to release.
  • The case stems from July 2025, when detectives recovered two grenades in Santa Monica and one later detonated at an LASD training facility, with the second device still unaccounted for.
  • Multiple probes remain open, and the widow of Detective Victor Lemus has filed a claim alleging poor training and mishandling of the grenades, including use of personal vehicles and older X-ray gear.