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Police: Explosive Device Found In Sonora Man's Backpack

SONORA (CBS13) - A Sonora man was arrested last week in possession of an improvised explosive device, authorities say.

The arrest happened late Thursday night. Sonora police say their officers and California Highway Patrol responded to the 100 block of Columbia Way for a reported disturbance.

Officers found two men hiding in some bushes. A backpack full of suspicious items was near the two men.

An explosive device improvised from a glass bottle was discovered inside the backpack. Officers say an explosive was taped to the bottle - and inside the bottle were several objects, like coins, that could act as projectiles if the explosive went off.

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Photo of Cortez provided by the Sonora Police Department.

One of the men, 21-year-old Sonora resident Ruben Cortez, was found to be the owner of the backpack. Officers searched Cortez and also found meth and drug paraphernalia on him.

Cortez was arrested and was booked at Tuolumne County Jail. He is facing charges of possession of a destructive device, among other charges.

The bomb squad has destroyed the device, police say.

 

 

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