State Finds 'Willful' Safety Violations in Grenade Deaths of LA County Deputies

Cal/OSHA investigation cites $350,000 in fines and alleges the Sheriff's Department has impeded the workplace safety inquiry.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A state investigation into how three Los Angeles County sheriff's bomb squad detectives were killed by a grenade in a department parking lot has found a series of "willful" safety violations, including failure to provide effective training and explosives that were left unattended leading up to the incident last year. The explosion at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy killed Dets. Victor Lemus, Joshua Kelley-Eklund and William Osborn.

Why it matters

The Cal/OSHA investigation highlights ongoing safety concerns within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which has faced previous fines and scrutiny over workplace accidents. The findings raise questions about the department's handling of high-risk explosives operations and its cooperation with state workplace safety regulators.

The details

According to the Cal/OSHA investigation, the three detectives were killed when a grenade they had recovered from a Santa Monica apartment complex detonated in the department's training facility parking lot. The state agency found a series of safety violations, including the failure to provide effective training and leaving explosives unattended. Cal/OSHA has issued eight citations and more than $350,000 in fines, but the Sheriff's Department has appealed the findings.

  • On July 18, the explosion at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy killed Dets. Victor Lemus, Joshua Kelley-Eklund and William Osborn.
  • On July 23, Cal/OSHA began its investigation into the working conditions and training provided to the deceased detectives.
  • On Nov. 21, Cal/OSHA sent a written request to sheriff's officials and county counsel for several documents, including training records, dispatch logs and custody reports for explosive devices.
  • On Dec. 22, Cal/OSHA escalated its efforts by issuing a subpoena.
  • On Jan. 15, Cal/OSHA filed a lawsuit in court to enforce the request for records.

The players

Victor Lemus

A Los Angeles County sheriff's bomb squad detective who was killed in the explosion.

Joshua Kelley-Eklund

A Los Angeles County sheriff's bomb squad detective who was killed in the explosion.

William Osborn

A Los Angeles County sheriff's bomb squad detective who was killed in the explosion.

Cal/OSHA

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which conducted the investigation into the deputies' deaths.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that employed the three deceased detectives and has been the subject of the Cal/OSHA investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The goal of this investigation and every investigation is to prevent workplace accidents, injuries and deaths. The Division hopes to work with the Sheriff's Department on abatement and help keep all remaining Arson and Explosives employees safe.”

— Denisse Gomez, Cal/OSHA spokeswoman

What’s next

The ATF is also scrutinizing what caused the blast, and two investigations remain ongoing within the Sheriff's Department: a homicide investigation into the deaths and a separate internal inquiry into the disappearance of the second grenade.

The takeaway

This tragedy underscores the responsibility employers have to anticipate hazards and take meaningful steps to protect workers, especially in high-risk operations involving explosive materials. The Cal/OSHA investigation reveals systemic safety issues within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department that must be addressed to prevent future loss of life.