Crime & Safety

Encino Man Charged in Connection to Northridge Pipe Bomb Scare

David Patton, 52, is scheduled to be arraigned today on three counts of possession of a destructive device on a public street or highway and one count of transporting meth.

Originally posted at 3:18 p.m. March 21, 2014. Updated with new details.

An Encino man was charged today in connection with the discovery of three pipe bombs during a traffic stop this week in Northridge.

David Patton, 52, pleaded not guilty this afternoon in San Fernando to three counts of possession of a destructive device on a public street or highway and one count of transportation of methamphetamine.

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At a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon by police at Reseda Boulevard and Devonshire Street, officers found what appeared to be a pipe bomb, according to Deputy District Attorney Sean Carney.

A more thorough search of the vehicle turned up two more pipe bombs, the prosecutor said.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The discovery caused the evacuation of residences and businesses in a quarter-mile radius and resulted in the bomb squad being called to the scene.

Patton was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of $530,000 bail. He is due back in court April 1.

If convicted as charged, Patton faces up to six years and eight months in jail, according to the District Attorney's Office.

--City News Service


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