Pipe Bomb Deactivated; Series of Incidents Plague Area

A pipe bomb that was safely deactivated after it was discovered in a Torrance neighborhood Monday night has joined the list of a growing number of bomb-related incidents in the South Bay in recent weeks.

The bomb was found on a curb in the 17100 block of Crenshaw Boulevard about 9 p.m. and forced authorities to evacuate about 70 residents, said Torrance Police Lt. John Spindler. Residents were not allowed to return to their homes for two hours.

The device was fashioned from about six inches of galvanized pipe, was capped on both ends and had an unlit fuse on one end, authorities said.

In the last week, several other South Bay cities have experienced bomb-related attacks. Authorities with the Lennox sheriff’s substation are investigating a firebomb attack on a Lawndale home last Thursday that caused about $50,000 in damage.

Lt. Kenneth Brazile said two Molotov cocktails were thrown through a bedroom window but the residents escaped unharmed. He said investigators have not identified any suspects, but the attack appears to be gang related.

Additionally, Gardena police and firefighters are investigating two firebombing attacks, including a bombing attempt on a Gardena home Sunday night and an attempted firebomb attack on a gymnasium at Rowley Park the same night. Lt. David Morgan said a 13-year-old was arrested for the gymnasium incident.