Search Nets Suspected Drug Lab, 1 Arrested

A Sun Valley man was arrested following a police search of his home in which they discovered homemade explosive devices, methamphetamine and chemicals used to produce the drug.

The discovery Wednesday caused the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses for much of the night as a safety measure.

The suspect, Payton Charles Anderson, 37, was arrested on an outstanding felony drug possession warrant, authorities said.

Anderson’s home was subject to search-and-seizure conditions as part of his probation for a drug-related conviction, said Det. Gary Skogen of the LAPD clandestine lab squad.

Police said they found the drugs and chemicals, as well as a military-style smoke grenade and three homemade explosive devices. An LAPD bomb squad dug a pit in the backyard and detonated the devices without incident about 11 p.m. Neighbors were allowed back into their homes a couple of hours later, Skogen said.

Anderson, who was booked on charges of suspicion of manufacturing methamphetamine, was taken to Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center’s jail ward because of a medical condition, Skogen said.

He may face additional charges related to the explosives. He is being held without bail, Skogen said.