SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A 36-year-old man has been accused of blowing up two Pacific Gas & Electric transformers, causing explosions that left thousands of utility customers in the San Francisco Bay Area without power.
According to the San Jose Police Department, Peter Karasev was arrested last Wednesday after investigators used surveillance camera footage and cellphone tracking to link him to the December and January blasts.
It was not immediately known if he had an attorney who could speak for him.
Authorities searched Karasev’s home on Friday and found explosive materials along with an “inactive” meth lab, police said.
No casualties were reported in the December 8 and January 5 blasts that damaged two PG&E transformers, KGO-TV reported.
Karasev faces multiple charges, including arson, explosion of a destructive device, destruction of an electrical line and possession of materials with intent to make a destructive device, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said.
Karasev appeared in court for the first time on Friday and was ordered to return on April 26. He is being held without bail.
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