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East L.A. Search Tied to Deadly Esparto Blast Finds Explosives Near Schools, Triggers Evacuations

Officials link the warrant to the July warehouse explosion that killed seven workers.

Overview

  • Investigators served a warrant on the 400 block of Vancouver Avenue opposite Garfield High School and Monterey Continuation High School in East Los Angeles.
  • Students from both campuses were evacuated and transferred to Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School, with some nearby residents also cleared as a precaution.
  • Items discovered during the search required bomb squad and fire hazmat teams to secure and assess the scene, according to Cal Fire.
  • Yolo County authorities led the operation in partnership with the ATF, with assistance from the L.A. County Sheriff's arson and explosives unit, officials said.
  • Nearly 100 pounds of improvised pyrotechnic powders were found in the home, according to a source cited by the Los Angeles Times, which also reported authorities searched CEO Kenneth Chee’s Richmond residence.