Pasadena residents were left shaken this week by the news that a 63-year-old man had been charged with setting off over 150 explosions in their neighborhood over the last two years. Art Leon Berian was arrested last week at the scene of one such blast and now faces three felony counts related to explosives and intent to injure or intimidate. In this article we talk about 63-Year-Old Man Faces Charges for Over 150 Blasts Across LA.
This discovery sheds new light on a mystery that has plagued locals in the area around Allen Avenue and Washington Boulevard for years. Few residents were even aware of the over 150 explosions that have rocked this quiet part of town – the blasts went largely unreported, only coming to the attention of authorities thanks to the recent implementation of ShotSpotter technology.
The Explosions in the Shadows
ShotSpotter consists of sensors installed around a coverage area that can detect and triangulate the sound of explosions or gunfire, alerting authorities automatically. It was put in place by the Pasadena City Council just last year. Since its activation, ShotSpotter has notified officials of over 150 distinct explosions centered around Allen and Washington over the last two years alone.
Yet locals somehow remained oblivious as this campaign of subtle violence was enacted literally in their own backyards. Prior to Berian’s arrest on May 16th, most had no idea anything was amiss at all. In just the two weeks leading up to Berian’s capture, ShotSpotter had recorded 14 explosions in the area. Fortunately, no injuries have been linked to any of the blasts detected so far.
The Arrest of Art Leon Berian
Berian was caught largely by chance last week, when detectives were in the neighborhood collecting video footage related to their investigation into the ShotSpotter alerts. While they were filming, another explosion suddenly erupted nearby on Allen and Washington, sending a small white cloud into the air. Police observed Berian speeding away from the scene of the blast in a BMW sedan. He was pulled over and taken into custody.
A search of his vehicle revealed further evidence connecting Berian to the explosion. While information on the types and quantity of explosives involved has not yet been released, officials have connected over 150 previous blasts to Berian based on similarities to the one he was arrested after.
A Shocking Portrait of a Serial Offender
Further investigation into Berian paints a disturbing portrait of a man who had been leading a double life, hiding violent tendencies while going about his daily business. How he managed to set off frequent explosions without drawing attention remains unclear. The repeated targeting of the same residential area certainly points to deeply rooted motivations, though officials have not speculated publicly on Berian’s possible motives.
Residents have been left shocked, frightened, and demanding answers after finally learning just how long Berian had apparently been acting as a local terrorist. His quiet demeanor had enabled him to detonate explosives at least 150 times right under the noses of neighbors.
The fact that he was only caught due to recent ShotSpotter implementation raises troubling questions about what else might be transpiring undetected in other neighborhoods. Pasadena authorities are urging citizens to report anything suspicious and are reviewing security protocols and monitoring capabilities across the city. Other municipalities are also considering investing in expanded surveillance to prevent similar situations.
Ongoing Investigations and Lasting Impact
Investigations into Berian’s activities are still ongoing. Police are working to uncover how he obtained explosive materials and examining his home, vehicles, and background to determine if any accomplices or further threats are involved. Officials also plan to evaluate exactly what types of explosives were used and how Berian selected his targets around the intersection of Allen and Washington.
In the meantime, locals are still recovering from the discovery that someone had managed to detonate explosions around 150 times within blocks of their homes without notice until now. The psychological impact of such a sustained, unpredictable threat is immense. Neighbors had believed themselves safe until learning someone has been consistently, if stealthily, inflicting destruction through their community for at least two years without intervention.
Berian may have acted quietly, but the impact of his campaign of explosions through an unsuspecting Pasadena neighborhood will linger for years to come. Both residents and authorities alike are left grappling with sobering questions in the aftermath of his shocking serial offenses coming to light. This case will undoubtedly spark ripple effects regarding community awareness, security policy, and what darkness may yet lurk undetected across Los Angeles. I sincerely hope you find this “63-Year-Old Man Faces Charges for Over 150 Blasts Across LA-What’s Full Story?” article helpful.