Reported explosion in Laytonville, 18 year old alleged suspect in hospital

On 11-21-2015 at approximately 12:19 AM, Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a reported explosion in the area of the Odd Fellow's Hall on Tolen Avenue in Laytonville, California.

The Odd Fellow's Hall houses several apartments.  The location of the reported incident was near those apartments. The explosion was heard from at least three miles away.

While the Deputies were still en-route to the call, they were advised that a burn victim had arrived at the Frank Howard Memorial Hospital emergency room.

At the Odd Fellow's Hall, the Deputies observed shards of metal and a small wheel, similar to the size of a tricycle wheel, from a device that witnesses described as a "small cannon".

A witness told them an 18 year-old male leaned down and appeared to light a fuse.  A moment later the device exploded, spreading metal fragments and frame parts in a wide circle, some impacting the apartment building.

After processing the scene for evidence the Deputies contacted the 18 year-old male at the hospital.   His injuries included lacerations to his torso, possibly from metal fragments, and a serious injury to his hand.

An investigation into the incident and the nature and type of the destructive device is ongoing.