By Vicki Lawson 

JOSHUA TREE, CA- A 17-year-old boy from Joshua Tree was playing with homemade explosives on Sunday afternoon when all of a sudden, he blew his hand off. At around 1:41 p.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Onaga Trail east of Quail Springs Road after receiving a report about the incident. Responding deputies found the juvenile suspect suffering from massive injuries to his right hand. The juvenile was transported by medical helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he underwent surgery and treatment for his injuries.

Investigation into the circumstances of this incident by Morongo Basin Station detectives and Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson personnel revealed that the suspect had made several homemade explosive devices. One of the devices malfunctioned as the suspect prepared to detonate it, resulting in his injuries. The Bomb and Arson Detail rendered safe a backpack that the suspect brought to the scene that was believed to contain additional unexploded devices. 

Detectives subsequently served a search warrant at a residence located in the 56000 block of Navajo Trail, Yucca Valley, where items consistent with the manufacturing of destructive devices were collected. The investigation is ongoing. It is likely that the teen will face criminal charges.