Two Joshua Tree men were arrested, after they were found with an explosive device. About 4 a.m. Monday (February 15), deputies contacted David Smith, 38, near El Reposo and Chollita Avenue in Joshua Tree, where they found that he had a pipe bomb. Deputies contacted the Sheriff’s Arson and Bomb unit, which determined the pipe bomb was explosive; the bomb squad then detonated it in a safe area. David Smith was arrested Monday morning for investigation of being in possession of an explosive device, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $25,000.
During a follow-up investigation, deputies learned that Smith had obtained the pipe bomb from Randall Piearcy, 35. A search warrant was served about 8 p.m. Wednesday (February 17) at Piearcy’s home in the 61500 block of Woodward Drive in Joshua Tree. Investigators found evidence at the scene showing Piearcy’s involvement in making explosive devices. Randall Piearcy was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an explosive device and being a felon in possession of ammunition, booked into the West Valley Detention Center, with his bail set at $535,000.
