The Santa Monica Police Department and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad are investigating a potential arsonist who may have thrown several firebombs around town this weekend.
Officers received calls at about 3 p.m. on Jan. 19 for a person throwing Molotov cocktails into the street, police said. The device is considered a basic incendiary device and is usually made by filling a bottle with a flammable liquid, stuffing a rag into the liquid that is then lit and thrown to create a pool of flame.
“It should be noted that we had been receiving calls about this same subject and vehicle over the course of the weekend,” said Lieutenant Candice Cobarrubias.
Cobarrubias said the suspect’s car was seen near Centinela Avenue and Pico Boulevard on Sunday afternoon. Officers stopped the car and found evidence that linked the suspect to the prior incidents.
“As a precaution, as it was unknown what else may be in the disheveled car, LASD Bomb Squad was notified and is responding to render the vehicle safe,” she said. “Investigators are working the case and more information will be forthcoming.”
Korie Schmidt, 31, was arrested on Jan. 19 and charged with possession of an explosive device, according to SMPD records.
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