CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating the subjects responsible for constructing three Molotov cocktails, one of which was brought to the agency Tuesday morning, resulting in a temporary closure of parking lots at the department and city hall.

Sgt. Rodd Joseph reported that at about 10:50 a.m. Tuesday a concerned citizen brought an item that he had located in the 14400 block of Uhl Ave. to the police department.

The citizen had found the device a few days earlier and believed it was some sort of an already burned explosive device, Joseph said.

When officers examined the device in the police department parking lot, it was believed to be a live homemade incendiary device constructed from a glass container. Joseph said the device did appear that someone had attempted to detonate it.

For safety reasons and until the device could be identified, the Clearlake Police Department and Clearlake City Hall parking lots were temporarily closed to traffic, as Lake County News has reported.

Lake County Fire Protection District responded and soon identified the item as a Molotov cocktail-style explosive device containing a flammable liquid, Joseph said. The device was rendered safe and has been secured for further evidentiary testing.  

The police department has learned that this was the third such device located in the 14400 block of Uhl Ave. in less than a week, Joseph reported.

He said the police department is asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible in the construction or attempted detonation of these devices.  

Clearlake Police also thanked Lake County Fire Protection District for its quick response and identification of the device.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the police department at 707-994-8251.  Witnesses may remain anonymous.