CZU Fires: Pipe Bomb Suspect Arrested

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — An arrest was made in connection to some possible pipe bombs recovered inside the CZU Lightning Complex fire zone, officials announced Friday night.

Boulder Creek man Andrew Pace, 34, was arrested Friday and has been charged with manufacturing explosive devices said Santa Cruz County Chief Deputy Chris Clark in a press conference broadcasted by KSBW 8.

Firefighters discovered a tool box Thursday as they were suppressing spot fires near the Boulder Creek Golf Course, Clark said, according to KSBW. After further inspecting the box, firefighters determined that the box may be holding an explosive pipe bomb.

“They did the right thing, they backed out of the area, they contacted us,” Clark said, according to KSBW 8.

Clark said a bomb team was deployed to detonate the device, clearing the area for fire crews to return. Photos of the devise were also taken before it was set off.

According to Clark, a search warrant was issued Thursday evening and Clark was arrested Friday.

The incident is still under investigation.

The CZU Complex Fires have burned 84,640 acres and were 35 percent contained as of 7:50 a.m. Sunday, according to Cal Fire.

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