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Tip Leads Bomb Squad To Man Suspected Of Making Bombs In Richmond Home To Harm Muslims

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- A neighborhood in Richmond had to be evacuated Sunday when police say a man was making explosives in his home with the intent of harming the Muslim community.

Police received a tip from a caller on December 17th who said a man was making the devices and threatening to harm Muslims.

Police removed a device from the home on the 5100 block of Mcbryde Avenue, and the Walnut Creek bomb squad detonated a device before neighbors were allowed to return to their homes.

READ MORE: Woman Charged With Hate Crime Following Anti-Muslim Rant At East Bay Park

The suspect was identified by police as 55-year-old William Celli. He was arrested, and booked into the Contra Costa County jail Sunday afternoon.

William Celli
William Celli (Richmond Police Department)

Richmond police said they can't elaborate on the threats other than to say that Celli's actions and statements drew the attention of law enforcement, and were very concerning to officers.

Celli appeared to be a supporter of Presidential candidate Donald Trump.  A post on his Facebook page said he would follow Trump "to the end of the world."

No one was injured.

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