Burning Bomb House Cost Half Million: Sheriff

The controlled burn of a home packed with explosives cost the San Diego County Sheriff's Department more than $541,000, according to authorities.

The cost of the operation will have a significant impact on the budget, Sheriff Bill Gore said Wednesday.

He says his department tried to minimize costs by rotating deputies from various commands to reduce overtime, using search and rescue volunteers and other police departments when possible.

The department is asking for reimbursement from the state.

Authorities say they had to incinerate the Escondido-area home on Dec. 9 after deciding it was too dangerous to remove unstable chemicals that were found after a gardener stepped on explosive residue and was injured.

The home's renter, George Jakubec, has pleaded not guilty to bank robbery and making destructive devices.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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