BERKELEY, CA – A pursuit through the streets of Oakland and Berkeley led California Highway Patrol officers to a shocking find inside a discarded bag — a live grenade. The discovery prompted an evacuation of nearby homes and a careful response by the bomb squad to neutralize the threat.

The incident began around 3:30 p.m. on Friday when California Highway Patrol troopers spotted a stolen vehicle near the intersection of 38th Street and Cerrito Avenue in Oakland. When CHP officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Carlos Kuceja, fled, initiating a chase that stretched into Berkeley.

During the pursuit, Kuceja allegedly tossed a bag from the driver’s side window as he neared Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Rose Street. An officer, detached from the direct chase, stopped to retrieve the bag. Inside, he discovered a grenade with its safety pin partially removed.

The California Highway Patrol contacted the University of California, Berkeley bomb squad, who assessed the situation and confirmed the grenade was live and could have detonated. Precautions were quickly taken to secure the area and ensure residents’ safety.

As the bomb squad handled the explosive, Kuceja abandoned the allegedly stolen vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers swiftly captured him. Police subsequently evacuated homes in the vicinity as they searched his vehicle for other possible threats. No additional explosives were located, and residents in the North Berkeley neighborhood were allowed back into their homes shortly after the search.

A thorough investigation of Kuceja’s residence in Berkeley also led to an evacuation, but once again, no further hazards were found.

Kuceja faces numerous felony charges, including possession of a destructive device, vehicle theft, and evading law enforcement. He remains in custody at Alameda County Jail with bail set at $490,000 and is scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday.

This incident highlighted the quick response and coordination among local law enforcement to handle what could have been a catastrophic situation, reinforcing the importance of readiness in public safety efforts.