Explosive Device Found During Probation Search

MODESTO, CA – Officers investigating a possible domestic violence case located a device filled with gunpowder during a probation search.  39-year-old Modesto residence Brian Hilario was arrested and booked on several felony charges.

May 14th at about 7:30 pm officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of East Orangeburg Avenue on the report of a family disturbance.  A female caller reported Hilario was drunk inside the residence and was threatening to assault her.  Officers arrived and contacted the woman at the front door.  Hilario was inside and fled out the back.  A neighbor behind the residence called 9-1-1 reporting a man jumping over fences in their back yard and officers were able to locate Hilario a short distance away.

Officers discovered that Hilario was on felony probation and was searchable for drugs.  The officers transported Hilario back to the residence and conducted a probation search.  Inside the house officers located a safe that belonged to Hilario.  Officers also located a number of bullets in the garage that had been pried open and the gun powder had been extracted.  With the help of the Modesto Fire Department officers forced the safe open.  Inside they found a loaded .380 caliber handgun as well as an aerosol container.  One of the officers turned the container upside down and saw gunpowder come from a hole in the top.  Officers then called the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad who responded and took custody of the device.  Investigators believe Hilario was attempting to make an explosive which is a felony.  

Hilario was booked for a probation violation, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a destructive device.  For information about this news release contact Sergeant Craig Gundlach at (209) 652-3184.