LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Surveillance video obtained by Las Vegas Metro Police showed the moment a pipe bomb exploded in front of a strip restaurant, according to an arrest report.
LVMPD identified one of two suspects seen on the video as John Navarro, 35, who is facing charges of using explosives to damage property, possession of explosive device, first-degree arson, and conspiracy to commit arson.
According to the report, on Thursday, Nov. 13, LVMPD received reports of an explosion at Piero’s Italian Cuisine around 10:36 a.m. Officers arriving at the scene were met by the owner, who turned over the surveillance video upon arrival. The video showed two suspects approaching the business wearing black hoods over their heads and medical masks over their faces around 2:19 a.m.
One suspect arrived at the scene on foot and the other arrived on an e-scooter. One of the suspects was scene removing a black gas cannister from the scooter, placing it near the door, lighting a fuse, and running away.
The device was caught on video exploding at 2:21 a.m.
Investigators would later learn that the two suspects fled on foot from the scene and got into an unregistered red Nissan parked at Debbie Reynolds and Desert Inn Road.
Police interviewed an employee who said he saw the cannister in front of the business around 8:03 a.m. and removed it. He noted that he smelled what he believed to be gasoline coming from the can as he picked it up, and did not believe it was anything suspicious.
Through the investigation, LVMPD conducted a database search for red sedans stopped near Piero’s before or after the incident. Navarro was identified in a stop that occurred the day before around 8:09 p.m. Detectives confirmed Navarro was wearing clothing he’d also been seen in at Piero’s.
Navarro was taken into custody on Saturday, Nov. 15, where police confiscated a firearm and a bag containing a crystal-like substance. Police also attempted to interview him, but he requested a lawyer.
Navarro was due in court Tuesday morning, but refused transport. He is due back in court on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m.
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