South Bay Man Arrested After Chemical Explosion In His Garage

SANTA CLARA VALLEY, CA — A man was arrested in Morgan Hill after he mixed chemicals and set off a loud explosion in his home on Monday, police reported. Police reported to East Central Avenue and McLaughlin Court at 6:18 p.m. after callers said they heard a loud explosion, followed by smoke and debris in the air.

Police said they went to the home where it happened and identified a 63-year-old man, Dennis Fritsinger, with what appeared to be laboratory chemicals in his garage.

Fritsinger admitted to mixing chemicals and setting off the explosion, according to police.

About 15 people were evacuated from their homes for three hours while the police conducted their investigation.

The Santa Clara Police Bomb Squad confirmed that the house was safe and residents were allowed to return home, police said.

After they obtained a search warrant, police said they found many compounds and chemicals in the home.

Fitsinger was arrested for possession and manufacture of a destructive device and for having a rifle and a handgun as a felon. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.

By Bay City News Service

Photo via Morgan Hill Police Department