IE Neighborhood Evacuates On 'Explosive Device' Threat Amid Warrant Search

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Nearly a dozen homes were evacuated and three people were arrested this week in after San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies serving a narcotics search warrant discovered suspected explosive devices, firearms and fentanyl inside a Maplewood D rive home, officials say.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Gang/Narcotics Division and the Yucaipa Station’s Solutions Oriented Policing Team served the warrant in the 13100 block of Maplewood Drive in the city of Yucaipa.

The search stemmed from an investigation into suspected illegal narcotics sales and unlawful firearm possession, according to a news release.

During the search, deputies located multiple firearms, ammunition and suspected fentanyl, authorities said. They also found" several suspected explosive devices inside the home.

"Because of the potential danger, deputies established a safety perimeter and evacuated nearby homes along Maplewood Drive," the release said. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Department Bombs and Arson Division responded, along with federal agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Bomb technicians examined the devices, rendered them inoperable and removed them for disposal," they said. "Hours later, residents were allowed to return home after the area was deemed safe."

Three people were taken custody during the incident.

Yucaipa resident William Pedrino, 55, was arrested on suspicion of possession of materials with intent to manufacture a destructive device or explosive, possession of a destructive device, and being under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of a loaded firearm. He was released on bail into his own custody Wednesday, according to jail records.

Joshua McMullin, 35, and Noel Montiel, 27, both Yuciapa residents, were arrested on suspicion of probation violations. All three were booked into the Central Detention Center, neither are still in custody, according to jail records. No other information was immediately available.

The investigation is ongoing, according to the department.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Gang/Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. Anonymous tips may be submitted to We-Tip at 888-782-7463.