A California man accused of blowing up PG&E transformers in January and December 2022 was arrested on Wednesday (March 1) and charged with multiple offenses, including exploding a destructive device, destroying an electrical line, arson, and possessing materials with the intent to create a destructive device.
Peter Karasev, 36, lived in a two-story home with his wife and three children, ages one, three, and five, and his house was near a high school. Authorities searching Karasev’s home found explosive materials and an inactive methamphetamine lab, which officials say could pose a danger to the neighborhood.
San Jose Police Sgt. Christian Camarillo described the combination of explosive material and chemicals used to manufacture narcotics as a “deadly, deadly combination in a residential neighborhood with children in the home,” and it could take up to a week for investigators to finish searching the house.
The attacks on the PG&E transformers caused significant damage and knocked out power for thousands of people. Investigators used surveillance footage and cell phone pings to identify Karasev as the suspect in the bombings, but they have not determined a motive for the attacks.
Karasev was taken into custody and is being held without bond until his next court appearance in late April. His case highlights the dangers of explosive materials and the importance of vigilance in identifying potential threats to public safety.
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