Milpitas Man Investigated After Possibly Explosive Chemicals Found

MILPITAS (CBS SF) -- Hazmat teams and the bomb squad in Milpitas on Tuesday were investigating the discovery of several containers of a chemical liquid found at a private residence that could be used to make a bomb.

Authorities are working at the home on View Drive about a half-mile from Cardoza Park.

A homeowner is being questioned about chemicals that could be used to make explosives.

A shelter in place was ordered for about 15 homes on View Drive. Police roped off the street on both ends of the block.

Police were alerted to the home by neighbors who noticed a strong chemical odor coming from the man's home and obtained a search warrant.

Inside the house, investigators found gallons of chemicals.

"People of the bomb squad determined the chemicals could be used to make explosive devices," said Milpitas Police Sgt. Bryan Hinkley.

Police questioned the homeowner through the afternoon trying to determine why he had shelves full of chemical liquids.

Right now, investigators say they don't know what chemicals the man has and haven't said if the substances are illegal

Detectives said it does not appear the man has any ties to terrorism.

"He does have a criminal history," said Hinkley. "However, none of it relates to terrorism or extremism as far as we know at this point."

Police also served warrants at other properties located in Fremont connected to the Milpitas homeowner.

Investigators said at this point there is no threat to any neighborhood, but police are continuing their investigation to get to the bottom of why the man had so many chemicals.

"If he has made bombs, where are they? If he plans on making bombs, why? Or was he just interested in chemistry?" asked Hinkley.