Former ski patrolman arrested in connection with Fourth of July explosion

Placer County Sheriff Edward Bonner said the device - a traffic cone stuffed with explosives - was detonated about 9:15 p.m. Saturday in an alley behind a yogurt shop.

The area was jammed with thousands of people getting ready to watch a fireworks show in the north Lake Tahoe town.

Four people were taken to Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee. One person was listed Sunday in stable condition, while three others were treated and released.

The suspect was identified as Kenneth Jon Manuel, 29, of Kings Beach, who worked during the winter at a local ski resort. The name of that resort and other details of Manuel's background were not immediately available.

Officials said they were unsure of the motive for the incident. An investigation is continuing.

Bonner said a search of the suspect's residence turned up several pounds of explosives, blasting caps, safety fuses and igniters, all of which were stolen during the past ski season.

The explosion caused major damage to nearby windows, buildings and vehicles. Pieces of plastic and shrapnel littered the area for several hundred feet.

The blast was heard and felt as far away as Dollar Hill, two miles to the east.

Manuel was being held in the county jail on $75,000 bail.

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