
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — The San Francisco political activist and public relations professional charged in an explosives case has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation while in jail in San Francisco.
A federal magistrate judge called for the exam during a hearing on Wednesday after a public defender for Ryan Chamberlain requested it. Chamberlain appeared in court Wednesday chained at the ankles and wore a red jumpsuit.
READ MORE: 2 Arrested Following DUI Crash Involving Stolen Vehicle In NovatoThe 42-year-old suspect was arrested Monday night near San Francisco’s Crissy Field after the FBI launched a manhunt.
He has been charged with a single count of possessing an illegal destructive device Tuesday after investigators said they found pieces that could have been used to assemble a damaging bomb inside his Russian Hill apartment.
The FBI has not said what, if any, specific plans Chamberlain might have had for the items.
He is being held without bail and has not entered a plea.
The FBI affidavit in support of the formal complaint against Chamberlain (PDF) details what investigators said they found in his home. Of note was a messenger bag, which bomb detectives said contained a jar filled with batteries and a green powder, a model rocket motor, an ‘electric match’ commonly used in improvised explosive devices, an assortment of ball bearings, a circuit board configured for remote use and jar lid with a wire attached. The bag was found sitting next to Chamberlain’s kitchen table. Authorities said it appears he lived alone.
READ MORE: East Bay Landscaper Charged in Stump-Grinder Death of EmployeeThe search warrant for Chamberlain’s apartment remains under seal, while the defense still needs to review those documents. The judge has indicated he’s inclined to unseal its contents, citing a presumption to access criminal complaints.