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California authorities say a man accused of blowing up two Pacific Gas and Electric transformers also had a large number of explosive materials in his home.
Authorities arrested Peter Karasev, 36, of San Jose, on Wednesday. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of exploding a destructive device, two counts of destroying an electrical line, and an arson charge related to the “transformer bombings,” Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Victoria Robinson announced Friday.
Two separate transformer incidents took place last year at two different locations, San Jose police said, adding that the explosions damaged the PG&E transformers and left thousands without power.
Karasev was captured on surveillance footage at a small strip mall on Jan. 5, igniting a backpack near the bottom of a PG&E transformer box. He then immediately left the scene.
“[It] is believed that this suspect intentionally caused this destruction and harm to public safety,” the criminal complaint stated.
Another PG&E transformer box was found nearly three miles away outside a Macy’s store but was similarly destroyed on Dec. 8, 2022, police added. Detectives believed the incidents were connected, and surveillance footage and cell phone pings led them to Karasev, arrested on Wednesday outside his workplace, the criminal complaint states.
Law enforcement remains at his place of residence
“Not only is there explosive material here, there are chemicals used to manufacture narcotics,” San Jose Police Sgt. Christian Camarillo told KGO. Due to the amount of explosive materials, police have called in federal resources to help handle and render the evidence, Camarillo added.
“Deadly, deadly combination in a residential neighborhood with children in the home,” he added.
Karasev reportedly told authorities during an interview that he was interested in “model rocketry” and believed that was why he was in custody.
“The suspect said he was told that there were warrants being served at his house, and he was concerned because there was stuff related to model rockets there,” the complaint stated, adding that he reportedly said, “that there could be something that would be misconstrued as an explosive device, but it was meant to propel something.”
During a search of the suspect’s home, detectives found the bike used during the Jan. 5 incident that was also captured on surveillance footage.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents also found an “inactive” meth lab in his home, and Kaserev allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine as a replacement for Adderall.
“The chemical smell was so strong tactical units needed to pull off the garage door to vent the area,” the complaint stated. “Chemicals were located on the floor unsecured easily accessible to children.”
A motive for the blowing up of the transformers was not immediately available.
Police expect to remain at the scene for several more days, San Jose Police Officer Steven Aponte told KGO on Friday.
Karasev was charged with possessing materials with the intent to create a destructive device for items found in his home, according to Robinson.
He was ordered held without bail during an arraignment hearing on Friday and is scheduled to appear in court on April 26 for a plea hearing.
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