On 11/17/2020 at approx. 2011 hours, A UPD Officer was on patrol in the 300 block of S. Main Street when he came in contact with a vehicle on a traffic stop for vehicle code violations. The Officer contacted the occupants of the vehicle and identified them as Lacee Marie Ross, Age 37 of Boonville, and her 17-year-old minor daughter.

While conducting the traffic stop the Officer learned that the vehicle had recently been reported stolen out of Brookings Oregon. The Officer also learned that Ross was currently on CDC Parole for a prior conviction of 451(b) PC (Arson of an inhabited structure). A search of the vehicle was conducted pursuant to Ross’ Parole terms and in the passenger compartment near where Ross had been seated Officers located a large explosive device that resembled dynamite.

UPD Officers immediately cordoned off the area and created a perimeter around the vehicle to keep any personnel or vehicle traffic from entering the area. UPD Officers contacted the Sonoma County Bomb Squad to respond and assist. Sonoma County Bomb Squad personnel arrived on scene and removed the device from the vehicle. The device was rendered safe by Bomb Squad personnel by a controlled detonation of the device on scene. It was determined by Bomb Squad personnel that the device was in fact a live explosive and if detonated would have likely caused significant injury and or damage to property.

Ross was arrested for violations of 18710(a) PC (Possession of destructive device), 18715(a)(1) (Reckless possession of destructive device), 10851(a) VC (Vehicle theft), 273a(a) PC (Child endangerment) and 3056(a) PC (Violation of Parole). Ross was booked at the Mendocino County Jail for the above offenses. Ross’ 17 year old daughter was released to a family member.

As always, our mission at the Ukiah Police Department is to make Ukiah as safe as possible. Additionally, the Ukiah Police Department would like to thank the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department and the Sonoma County Bomb Squad for their assistance with this incident.