A 27-year-old man suspected of possessing a destructive device linked to a pyrotechnic explosion in South Los Angeles that killed a 17-year-old in December has been taken into custody, police announced Thursday.
Major Crimes Division investigators and other law enforcement personnel served search warrants Wednesday at a storage facility in Rancho Cucamonga and a residence in the 900 block of North Duesenberg Drive, locating Giovanni Diaz, who was taken into custody, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Diaz was booked on suspicion of possession of a destructive device and had bail set at $500,000. He is also suspected of child endangerment and narcotics offenses, police said.
During the investigation, investigators recovered multiple explosive devices and components, cash, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, along with other evidence associated with the search, police said.
Officers assigned to the 77th Division initially responded around 9:25 p.m. Dec. 3 to the 400 block of West 84th Street to reports of a victim on fire, according to the LAPD.
Investigators determined a person was manipulating pyrotechnic materials when they exploded, resulting in the 17-year-old sustaining serious injuries.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took the victim to a hospital, where he later died as a result of their injuries, police said.
The area was later secured by Bomb Squad and Hazardous Material Unit personnel, along with Major Crimes Division investigators, to conduct a post- blast investigation, during which a large quantity of illegal pyrotechnic devices was seized and taken to a safe storage location.
Anyone with additional information regarding the explosion was urged to contact Major Crimes Division Detective Allen at 213-486-7260. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.