February 4, 2012, 11:30 am

El Dorado County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 2300 block of Sandridge Rd. for a reported deceased male found lying in his driveway.  Upon arrival deputies confirmed Donald Smith, 69 years, had died of apparent natural causes.  Deputies began the coroner investigation and as part of it, they began to take measures to inventory and safe keep the decedent’s property. 

While checking in a shop located down from the main residence, deputies located items which they believed to be suspicious in nature.  The Sheriff’s bomb squad (EOD) was requested and responded to the location.  Bomb squad technicians confirmed the items as explosive ordinance and explosive compounds.  Due to night fall the bomb squad operations were suspended until the following day. 

February 5, 2012, 7:00 am

Bomb squad technicians began the slow and tedious work of moving the explosive items to a safe location on the property where the explosives could be rendered safe by detonation.  Resident’s in the area most likely heard three large explosions starting at approximately 11:30 am and ending at approximately 6:00 pm. 

In addition to the Sheriff’s Office personnel, Diamond Springs Fire sent an engine to assist with the potential threat of fire, Beale Air Force Base EOD team assisted with the identification and detonation of explosives and El Dorado County Environmental Management assisted with the collection of dangerous chemicals which had been located at the residence.