Ivins resident ‘booby-trapped’ neighbor’s waterline with explosives, police say

Written by Jessi Bang
April 4, 2023

IVINS — The discovery of hidden explosives and possible hazardous vapors in an Ivins neighborhood Monday afternoon required a response from local authorities and hazmat crews, leading to a man’s arrest.

First responders arrive on scene after the discovery of explosives and possible hazardous vapors are found in Ivins, Utah, April 3, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Lt. Jaron Studley of the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department told St. George News that a contractor was dispatched to dig and cap off a secondary water line following a dispute between the man and the Ivins City Irrigation Department. Digging to complete the job began last Friday.

When the contractor came back to finish the job Monday, he discovered something that put a halt to his work: the water line had been “booby-trapped,” Studley said.

The contractor reportedly notified Ivins City Public Works about his discovery, which he said appeared to be an explosive device. The department then contacted law enforcement.

“There were some electrical devices that were there and also some household goods that were in the area,” Studley said. “Ammonia and bleach – chemicals that were around it – had they caught fire, (it) could have created some nasty hazardous materials. If they were to mix, (it) could cause a vaper that could hurt some people.”

Two Washington County bomb squads arrived on the scene and disabled the electrical device. Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Department then was requested to take care of the hazardous materials. The St. George Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance also responded to the scene.

“It was rigged in a way that if something had happened, it would’ve definitely hurt or killed the person that was digging the trench,” Studley said.

According to Washington County Sheriff’s Office bookings and confirmed by Studley, the suspect, Carlos E. Oliver-Dean, was booked on charges of possession and control of an explosive.

A search warrant was served on Oliver-Dean’s home to retain the items used to make the explosive device, and the scene was cleared around 5:15 p.m. on Monday.

This report is based on statements from police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

Ed. note: This article was revised to clarify that Carlos E. Oliver-Dean‘s dispute was with Ivins City Irrigation, according to police.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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