Santa Monica Apartment Linked to Fatal Sheriff Explosion

Explosives found in Santa Monica are under investigation following a fatal blast at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility. Three deputies lost their lives Friday morning at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East Los Angeles while handling explosive materials. The cause of the explosion remains undetermined.

Investigators were led to an apartment complex on Bay Street in Santa Monica on Friday. This move was prompted by the fact that the three deputies killed in the East LA blast had responded to a call for assistance at the Santa Monica complex the previous day, Thursday. A grenade was recovered at the Santa Monica apartment complex on Thursday, a city police officer confirmed. Sources, who spoke under the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation, indicated that authorities are working to ascertain if the explosives found in Santa Monica are linked to the fatal explosion.

One resident of the building, Michael Kellman, reported that a fellow tenant discovered a bag containing grenades in her storage unit on Thursday. Kellman stated that the tenant, who has resided in the building for several years, believes the bag was left by a previous occupant. Authorities returned to her unit on Friday to conduct a thorough search for any additional explosive materials.

The Santa Monica Police Department conducted an evacuation of residents from the Bay Street apartment building Friday afternoon as the search for further explosive materials continued. The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad are providing support in the investigation. Furthermore, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is expected to spearhead a federal inquiry into the cause of the explosion.

Another resident, who identified herself only as Nancy for privacy, recounted that officers informed her late Friday afternoon of an “active investigation” and the necessity of evacuating her home.When she inquired about moving her car, an officer stated, “No one is allowed.”

Employees at the training facility reported hearing a significant explosion around 7:30 a.m. Friday, originating from the parking lot where the sheriff’s bomb squad stores its vehicles. They described hearing the sound of shattering glass and screams.

Rich Pippin, president of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, described the incident as the “worst day in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.” He expressed the profound shock and grief, stating, “You never get up in the morning expecting this kind of news, never, and sadly, as often as we deal with this, it does not get easier. It never gets easier. It hurts.”

The fallen deputies have been identified as Dets. Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn. They had dedicated 19,22,and 33 years of service to the department,respectively.

What specific concerns prompted the welfare check that led to the Sheriff’s deputy being at the apartment?

The Incident & Initial Reports

On July 18th, 2025, a devastating explosion rocked a Santa Monica apartment building, tragically resulting in the death of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 AM PST, instantly triggered a massive emergency response, including fire crews, paramedics, and specialized hazardous materials teams. Initial reports indicate the explosion originated within a specific unit of the complex located on Ocean Avenue. The Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the deceased deputy was part of a team conducting a welfare check at the location, responding to concerns raised by family members regarding the well-being of a resident.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities focusing on potential scenarios including accidental gas leaks, illicit manufacturing, and the presence of explosive materials. The FBI is assisting the los angeles County Sheriff’s Department with the investigation.

apartment Complex Details & Evacuation Procedures

The affected apartment building, a four-story structure housing approximately 50 residents, was immediately evacuated following the blast. The Santa Monica Fire Department established a perimeter and conducted a thorough search of the building to ensure no other individuals were trapped or injured.

Location: Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA. (Specific address withheld pending ongoing investigation).

building Type: Four-story residential apartment complex.

Evacuation Status: Full evacuation completed. Residents are currently being housed at a temporary shelter established at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

damage Assessment: Meaningful structural damage to the unit where the explosion originated, as well as collateral damage to adjacent apartments. The building has been deemed unsafe for re-entry.

Residents displaced by the explosion are receiving assistance from the Red Cross and local community organizations, including provisions for temporary housing, food, and essential supplies. The city of Santa Monica has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate relief efforts.

Investigation Focus: Potential Causes & Evidence

The investigation is currently centered around several key areas:

1. Possible Gas Leak: Southern California Gas Company crews are on-site conducting a comprehensive inspection of gas lines serving the building. While initial assessments haven’t revealed any obvious leaks,a thorough investigation is underway.
2. Illicit Activities: Authorities are exploring the possibility of illegal activities occurring within the apartment,specifically focusing on potential drug manufacturing or the storage of hazardous materials. The resident of the apartment is currently being investigated.
3. Explosive devices: Bomb technicians are meticulously combing through the debris for any evidence of explosive devices or components.
4. Resident Background Check: A detailed background check is being conducted on the resident of the affected apartment, including a review of their criminal history, financial records, and known associates.

Evidence collected from the scene is being analyzed by forensic experts at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department’s crime lab. Investigators are also interviewing witnesses, including residents of the apartment building and first responders.

impact on Law Enforcement & Community response

The death of the Sheriff’s deputy has deeply impacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Monica community. The deputy, a veteran of the force with over 10 years of service, is being remembered as a dedicated public servant and a valued member of the department.

The Santa Monica City Council held an emergency meeting on July 19th to discuss the incident and allocate resources for ongoing relief efforts. The council members expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family and pledged to provide full support to the investigation.

Sheriff’s Department Statement: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our deputy. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day.”

Community Support: Numerous fundraising initiatives have been launched to support the deputy’s family and the displaced residents of the apartment building.

* Increased Security: The Santa Monica Police Department has increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and deter any potential criminal activity.

Recovering Lost Documents & Data

For residents who lost personal documents or data in the explosion, Apple’s iCloud Recovery service (https://www.icloud.com/recovery) may offer some assistance. It allows users to recover deleted files from iCloud Drive and restore earlier versions of contacts, calendars, and Safari bookmarks, potentially mitigating some of the losses. However, recovery is limited to data stored within iCloud and within the last 30 days.