Crime & Safety

Top 10 Stories: Weird Watch Gets Man Arrested

Palos Verdes Patch is counting down its 10 biggest local stories from 2012. No. 2: A weird watch lands a Rancho Palos Verdes man in jail in Northern California.

It's been a crazy year. Palos Verdes Patch writers were busy writing about vandalism at the local high school, a missing diver and panga landings, among other topics. Here is the No. 2 story of the year, chosen by popularity and editorial discretion.

Bomb-Like Watch Leads to Arrest (No. 2)

When Rancho Palos Verdes resident Geoffrey McGann walked into Oakland International Airport on Nov. 15, he had no idea that he'd be arrested on suspicion of possession of materials to make an explosive device because of the watch he was wearing.

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The watch, which had fuses, wires and a circuit board on it, had items that could be used to make a triggering device for an IED, according to Alameda County Sheriff's Department spokesman Sgt. J.D. Nelson.

Ultimately, no charges were brought, and McGann said he may consider taking legal action against the Alameda County Sheriff's Department for making him look like a terrorist.

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"They charged me with a charge that didn't match what they told me ... They said they knew it wasn't an explosive device," McGann said, adding that some deputies even commented that they wanted a watch for themselves. "I think it was because of all the commotion that was caused and they wanted to cover their ass."

Related:

  • UPDATE: Weird Watch Suspect from RPV Released
  • Updated: No Charges Filed Against McGann for Weird Watch
  • McGann Tells His Story of Unusual Watch Arrest at Oakland Airport

For more top stories from this year, click here.


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