On Saturday, January 28, 2022, Sacramento Police Department Officers investigated a series of reported and unreported explosions in and around the 4000 Block of 34th Street.  During the investigation, officers and detectives served a search warrant at a residence while seizing active pipe bombs, along with other related evidence.  Detectives arrested 23-year-old Cody Wiggs for a violation of Penal Code 18740 (Explode and Ignite a Destructive Device).  

Detectives continued conducting extensive follow-up to identify additional suspect(s) in the explosions.  As a result, 33-year-old Darren Melton was identified as a person involved in the manufacturing and possession of explosive devices.  Detectives obtained a warrant for Melton’s arrest for violations of Penal Code 18740 (Explode and Ignite a Destructive Device) and Penal Code 18715(A)(1) (Possession of a Destructive Device/Explosive in a Public Place).   

On March 23, 2022, detectives served a search warrant at Melton’s residence and located explosive precursor chemicals, fusing, and pipes. These items were consistent with the materials recovered during the initial investigation of Wiggs.  Melton was taken into custody. As of March 24, 2022, Melton and Wiggs remain in custody at Sacramento County Correctional facilities.  

The Sacramento Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU), Sacramento Area Apprehension Team (SAAT), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) all played an integral role in the investigations and related apprehensions. 

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding these investigations to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.