Nature of Incident: Accidental Explosion Resulting in Death
Report Number: RB #16-49933
Location: 612 Camino Manzanas (Madrona Elementary School), Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: April 4, 2016, 7:43 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Thousand Oaks Patrol Services, Thousand Oaks Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(D) Adult Male Thousand Oaks 18
(V) Juvenile Male Thousand Oaks 17
Narrative:
On April 4, 2016, at about 7:43 p.m., deputies assigned to the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to assist the Ventura County Fire Department with an explosion that was heard at Madrona Elementary School. When deputies arrived they discovered two teenagers had been injured and required immediate medical attention. Both teenagers were transported to Los Robles Hospital where they were treated for their injuries. Tragically, the 18-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The 17-year-old was listed in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Investigators from various Sheriff’s Office Units responded to investigate the incident. The investigation revealed the teenagers had created a homemade model rocket. The model rocket was attached to a skateboard in an effort to propel the skateboard forward. Tragically, the homemade model rocket exploded injuring both teenagers.
As a precaution, deputies searched Madrona Elementary School, but found nothing suspicious and the campus was deemed safe. At this point in the investigation it appears to be an accident and no malicious activity is suspected.
The Conejo Valley Unified School District closed Madrona Elementary School on Tuesday, April 5th. The school will be open to students on Wednesday, April 6th with counseling professionals on site to address the needs of students, staff, and parents.
Prepared by: Captain Garo Kuredjian
Media Release Date: April 5, 2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Captain Garo Kuredjian, (805) 797-6322
[email protected]
Detective Tim Lohman, (805) 947-8255
[email protected]
Approved by: Commander Tim Hagel
