"Peter Karasev, 36, of San Jose, has been arrested in connection with a San Jose Police Department investigation into suspected explosives-related and illegal drug offenses, authorities said. (San Jose Police Dept.)."
Posted on 03/04/2023 10:38:13 PM PST by fluorescence
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The San Jose Police Department is investigating after a suspect in possession of explosive material was arrested. He's now believed to be responsible for blowing up two PG&E transformers.
The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old San Jose resident Peter Karasev who made his first court appearance on Friday.
SJPD says the investigation began with two separate incidents involving explosive devices between December and January.
On Jan. 5, officers responded to the 6000 block of Snell Ave. on a report of a damaged transformer. A PG&E employee said an explosion occurred the night before around 2 a.m.
The employee also said a similar incident happened on Dec. 8, 202 at the 5000 block of Thornwood Dr. in which an explosion caused damage to a transformer.
Both explosions left thousands without power.
Investigators say surveillance video and cell phone pings led them to Karasev who was arrested on Wednesday.
Police also say he had an "inactive" meth lab in his home and admitted to using methamphetamine as a replacement for Adderall during the shortage.
Additionally, the complaint details the suspect's interest in model rockets and setting some off outside his home. Investigators also say he told them he'd been having a difficult time due to the war between Russia and Ukraine since he has family in both countries.
"Related to the transformer bombings, he's charged with two counts of exploding a destructive device as well as two counts of destroying an electrical line as well as an arson charge," said Deputy District Attorney Victoria Robinson with Santa Clara County. "Related to the items found in his home, he is charged with possessing materials with the intent to create a destructive device."
Cameras were not allowed in court but ABC7 was there as the public defender's office revealed details of Karasev's life in an attempt to get him out on supervised release.
They say Karasev is a software engineer at a company called "Zoox" that develops self-driving cars and is a married father of three children, a 1-year-old, 3-year-old and 5-year-old.
Right now the investigation at his home is still active.
As more comes out from that investigation, the district attorney says Karasev could face more charges.
He's being held without bail and is expected back in court on April 26.
PG&E released the following statement in response to Karasev's arrest:
PG&E takes seriously the protection of critical infrastructure, and we appreciate the responsive action of the SJPD.
I saw this on the news last night. They caught him by looking at surveillance video TAKEN AT NIGHT and matching that to cellphone pings.
It’s incredible, Garland has insisted on at least two occasions that the FBI haven’t made but two arrests in the attacks on pregnancy centers and churches because the attacks happen at night. This PROVES that they can actually make arrests for crimes committed at night and in secret. Could it be that Garland is just a liar?
He may have a PhD in computer engineering but he’s a complete fool for bringing his cell phone with him to commit such a crime.
He’s a Russian immigrant.
So who else predicted that it was pro-russian saboteurs damaging the power stations? I remember several posters scoffed at the idea.
Educated beyond his common sense.
That PLUS explosives. Child endangerment, anyone?
I saw no references to ANTIFA, but maybe he was connected.
"Peter Karasev, 36, of San Jose, has been arrested in connection with a San Jose Police Department investigation into suspected explosives-related and illegal drug offenses, authorities said. (San Jose Police Dept.)."
Sounds like the Aunt Teefers again. Anybody see a weird character walking around the transformers in a Ghillie suit and wearing Gothic makeup?
White male. The most evil. Until they find out that he is Antifa. Kamala will bail him out shortly.
[I’m not sure what this has to do with anything.]
I was around 8 y.o. when I discovered that you could set off explosives with an Estes rocket fuse.
meth lab and father of threePray for those children.
I’m guessing he has “woke” tattooed on his forehead.
Inaccurate guess.......
And his extended family.
If these Bozo’s thought their entire bloodline would be deported they might think twice before pulling a stunt.
I’ just sick of us prosecuting these scumbags, jailing them, then letting them out when our immigration laws clearly allow for deportation. Depending on the crime I don’t care if they are punished, just ship ‘em.
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