Homemade explosives found after Kings County shooting, deputies say

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) –  Explosive materials were found in a search that followed a shooting investigation in Kings County, according to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say on April 19, around 4 a.m., a 911 call was placed to the Kings County dispatch about someone being shot in the 16000 block of 17th Avenue. According to investigators, a 36-year-old man had been shot multiple times; he was transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno in serious condition.

Detectives say they identified 25-year-old Maiya Garcia as the suspect. Search warrants were served in both unincorporated Kings County and an address in Lemoore.

Officials say they found Garcia to be in possession of precursor chemicals to make explosive materials and completed homemade explosive material. According to investigators, the explosive material was used in the construction of numerous homemade explosive devices. 

The suspect was allegedly removing explosive material from illegal fireworks to make homemade explosives and aerial fireworks, according to investigators.

Garcia has been taken into custody and is currently inside Kings County Jail for attempted homicide, child endangerment, and charges related to the explosive material located in his home. His bail was set at $820,000.