SFPD Makes Arrest in Explosion of Homemade Rocket 19-044

On April 8th, 2019 San Francisco police officers from the Tenderloin District Station responded to the 500 block of Leavenworth Street on the report of an explosion.  Upon arrival, officers observed debris consistent with a homemade rocket.

A witness reported seeing an unknown, approximately 5`10”, 30-35 year old white male place the device on the ground and walk away.  The device exploded moments after the suspect fled westbound on Geary Street on a bicycle.

The SFPD Bomb Squad responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. No other devices were located. Surveillance video showed the suspect placing and lighting what appears to be a homemade rocket, which then exploded.

SFPD released a crime bulletin regarding the incident. Over the course of the investigation, SFPD’s Arson Task Force developed a possible location of the suspect.

On April 10th at approximately 8:11 AM, a male matching the description of the suspect was seen in the area of the 1800 block of Post Street.  The suspect was wearing what appeared to be the same or similar clothing as the suspect in the crime alert bulletin.

The suspect was detained and taken into custody at the corner of Webster Street and Bush Street. He was identified as 51 year-old Scott Campbell of San Francisco. A search warrant was issued for Campbell’s home.  The search revealed homemade rocket building supplies and other hazardous materials.

Campbell was booked at San Francisco County Jail on counts of a person in possession of explosives, possession of a destructive or explosive device, a person recklessly in possession of an explosive or destructive device and an outstanding warrant for driving under the influence.

While an arrest has been made, this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD 24 hour tip line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.  You may remain anonymous.