- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Clearlake man killed by pipe bomb
Residents of the area reported to Lake County News that they heard an explosion near the resort – located in the 10900 block of Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake – late on the night of Tuesday, June 12.
Lake County Sheriff’s Lt. Corey Paulich said deputies responded to the area of the resort at about 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, on the report of a male deceased on a hillside.
The dead man was identified as Justin William Westermeyer, 42, of Clearlake, Paulich said.
Paulich said the deputies observed a wound to Westermeyer’s left side and requested detectives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit respond.
After processing the scene and interviewing witnesses in the area, Paulich said detectives determined Westermeyer had detonated a metal pipe bomb on the night of June 12 and was struck by a metal fragment.
An autopsy performed on June 14 confirmed that conclusion, Paulich said.
“All information is that he was alone. There was no information that Westermeyer was making the pipe bomb in an attempt to harm anyone,” Paulich said.
“The sheriff’s office would like to remind the public that these types of devices are very dangerous and illegal,” Paulich said.
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