Pipe Bomb Arrest In Sonora

Sonora, CA – Deputies conducting a probation search at a Sonora home made a scary discovery – a pipe bomb in a closet.

Tuolumne County’s High-Risk Supervision Team carried out the raid at the Star Mobile Home Park in the 20100 block of Jamestown Road in Sonora.  Both residents, a mother, 39-year-old Angel Cepeda, and her son, 24-year-old Joseph Cepeda were on probation for drug-related charges. A sweep of the mobile home resulted in deputies finding drug paraphernalia, a billy club, and inside a closet was what appeared to be an explosive device, which is pictured in the image box. All were found in the son’s room, according to sheriff’s officials.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called to the scene to safely dispose of the apparent pipe bomb. Also found in the home was 24-year-old Armando Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who was on probation, was found to have drug paraphernalia on him, landing him in handcuffs for a felony violation.

Joseph Cepeda was taken into custody for felony possession of a destructive device and a billy club along with drug paraphernalia charges.