Pasadena, California – A 63-year-old Pasadena resident, Art Leon Berian, was arrested and charged in connection with over 150 unidentified explosions that have occurred in the area of Allen Ave. and Washington Blvd. over the last two years. The Pasadena Police Department stated that most of these explosions had gone unreported, but were identified using ShotSpotter technology and neighborhood applications. In recent weeks, there were 14 blasts in the same vicinity.
Collaborating with the Pasadena Fire Department Arson Investigator, the Pasadena Police Department Robbery/Homicide Unit linked two vehicles to the explosions, both registered to the same owner. With the assistance of technology, the suspect, identified as Berian, was apprehended. On May 16, detectives were gathering video evidence related to an explosion when they heard a loud blast, leading them to Berian’s 2013 BMW at the site.
Berian was promptly arrested, and evidence related to the explosion was seized from his vehicle. Despite the numerous explosions, authorities reported no injuries resulting from the incidents. On May 20, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed three felony counts of PC18740 (Explosives with Intent to Injure or Intimidate) against Berian, setting bail at $1,500,000.
Individuals with information on these incidents are encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241 or anonymously report through “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or at http://lacrimestoppers.org.