Restaurant Owner Pleads Not Guilty to Bomb Charges
The owner of a popular barbecue restaurant in Del Cerro, arrested last week for exploding a homemade bomb in the alley behind Bekker’s Bar-BQ, was arraigned on three felony counts Tuesday.
Oscar Worm, 38, pleaded not guilty to possessing a destructive device near a public place, possessing a destructive device and possessing destructive materials.
Worm said he meant no harm to anyone and was trying to launch a homemade rocket behind the restaurant, at 7455 Mission Gorge Road.
After obtaining warrants and searching both Bekker’s Bar-BQ and Worm’s San Carlos residence, San Diego police on March 5 confiscated more than 300 pounds of black powder, similar to that used to make homemade bombs. Worm has continued to operate the restaurant since his arrest.
Judge Charles Patrick set April 10 as the date for a felony disposition hearing, at which time Worm may attempt to work out a plea bargain with the court, according to his attorney, Leif F. Tessem.
Patrick ruled that, if the matter cannot be resolved April 10, a preliminary hearing will take place May 1.
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