A San Francisco Fire Department paramedic was arrested for detonating a homemade bomb in a neighbor's planter, officials said Friday.
The incident in question occurred on the 100 block of Madrid Street between 12 and 3 a.m. Wednesday.
The Excelsior resident said he heard an explosion and upon looking outside his house, saw a man loitering. He went outside and noticed that his house had been egged, police said.
Investigating officers, who discovered something had exploded in the victim’s planter, said a neighbor reported hearing a big boom as well. Police have not specified if the detonation and egging are connected.
Area residents said Friday that their biggest concern is that the suspect, identified as James Novello, 32, of San Francisco, has an alleged temper problem.
Others seemed to have a hard time accepting that the incident unfolded on their block.
"Oh my God, I can't believe this is happening — not in my neighborhood!" said Nelson Alvarado. "Yeah, that's not good."
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Novello was arrested for vandalism, and possessing a destructive device and destructive materials, according to Officer Giselle Talkoff.
Jonathan Baxter from the San Francisco Fire Department said that Novello has been placed on what is known as non-working status. Baxter, however, was not sure if that means the paramedic is being paid.
An investigation is ongoing.
Further details were not immediately available.
Check back for updates.
