(Press Release from Inyo Sheriff Public Information Officer, Carma Roper)
Yesterday morning at approximately 8:30AM, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office received notification that Fish and Game had two subjects detained for possession of a pipe bomb at the east end of Collins Road near the canal. The two subjects were identified as Lawrence Kirkconnell a 54 year old man from Buena Park, CA and Ronald Kirkconnell a 70 year old man from Temecula, CA.
The on-scene investigation revealed that Ronald constructed the pipe bomb as a way to dispose of old gun powder; he reloads small arms ammunitions as a hobby. According to Ronald his intention was to set the device off in a safe and unpopulated area. Lawrence did not assist in the construction of the device, nor did he have knowledge that Ronald had transported the device inside the vehicle. Ronald Kirkconnell was charged with possession of a destructive device. Both men were very cooperative.
The two were visiting the Bishop area on a fishing trip. Fish and Game, California Highway Patrol and Cal Fire assisted at the scene.
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I have reloaded for years,, the simple way to dispose of the powder is pour small amounts in the dirt and put a match to it..
Sounds like they were looking to do a little concusion fishing. This is where you throw a bomb in the water to explode which will in turn cause the fish to come to the surface in a dazed state because of the shock that is caused by the explosion! So in my opinion they just fooled Fish & Game (when Fish & Game should already be aware of this technique)! The men said they had come to Bishop to “FISH” so you tell me then, why was Ronald messing with amo, when amo is not necessary to “FISH”! I feel Fish & Game didn’t fine them enough because illegally fishing like that can usually get you locked up even just for a few days! HAY FISH & GAME DON’T BE SO GULLABLE!!!
good thing they werent at L.A.X
Where they arrested or cited? Just detained? I know if I got caught with any type of home made explosive the local law enforcement would have a field day with me cause I already fit the profile of a radical in their eyes.
The Inyo Sheriff’s PIO said the older man, Ronald, was charged with possession of a destructive device. BK
Love those SoCA folks who come up here to dispose of dangerous stuff in “…safe and unpopulated area(s).” Like our area is a dump and disposal area for their poor judgement!