O.C. man arrested after illegal fireworks blow up in his garage

Orange County District Attorney, Press Release
For Immediate Release, Case # 13WF1909: June 26, 2013

MAN FACES CHARGES FOR POSSESSING EXPLOSIVE DEVICE MATERIALS AND FIREWORKS AFTER CAUSING EXPLOSION IN HIS GARAGE

WESTMINSTER – A man was arrested today for possession of explosive device materials and illegal fireworks after he caused an explosion in his garage. Michael Livingston Parr, 49, Westminster, is charged with one felony count of possession for sale of a controlled substance, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, one felony count of possession of materials with intent to make an explosive, one felony count of possession of a zip gun, one misdemeanor count of possession of illegal fireworks, with a sentencing enhancement for possessing 28.5 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to sell. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of six years and four months in state prison. The People will request Parr be held on $500,000 bail and he is expected to be arraigned tomorrow, Thursday, June 27, 2013, at the West Justice Center, Westminster. The time and Department are to be determined.

At approximately 4:35 p.m. on April 2, 2013, Parr is accused of causing an explosion and subsequent fire in his garage. Westminster Police Department (WPD) and Huntington Beach Fire Department were called to Parr’s home after receiving reports of a loud explosion and fire at the residence.

Parr is accused of possessing various chemicals, powders, and other items that are dangerous and highly explosive, including rolls of fuse, specialized containers, homemade mortars, and a tumbler used to refine the powders to make them more explosive. Parr is also accused of possessing a zip gun and illegal fireworks.

Parr is accused of storing these items on the workbench area of his garage where the fire occurred. Orange County Fire Authority arson investigators and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad were called to the defendant’s residence to assist in the investigation.

The defendant is also accused of possessing packaging materials and a small digital scale along with approximately 33 grams of methamphetamine separated into plastic bags. Parr is accused of possessing a loaded shotgun near the methamphetamine.

The defendant suffered severe burns to his face and head and was hospitalized for these injuries. Parr was arrested today, June 26, 2013, by WPD.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Katz of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486