After the initial surprise, Westwood residents were largely
unfazed by the discovery of an explosive device in the Midvale
Plaza apartment complex Friday.
The Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad was able to
detonate the device without completely evacuating the building, and
though some residents said they were shaken, most said they did not
feel threatened.
Neal Mhaskar learned around noon Friday that there was an
explosive device in his building when he went out on his balcony
and a bulletproof vest-wearing law-enforcement officer yelled at
him to go back inside.
“It’s a little frightening to have this happen,
especially with all the muggings,” said Mhaskar, a third-year
film student, referring to the recent string of late-night
robberies that have occurred near the apartments. “I thought
that Westwood was a little safer than this.”
The bomb squad kept a low profile and fomented calm as it
resolved the situation. Many Midvale apartment residents said the
presence of police officers and quick response from the
apartment’s management made them feel safe.
“I’m glad they have taken the precautions
necessary,” said Olivia Lutz, a third-year psychology
student.
Lutz found out that there was an explosive device in her
building when she tried to do chores and found the elevators
stopped. But the news did not worry her much.
“I don’t think it’s a real threat …
I’m more annoyed that I couldn’t get my laundry,
honestly,” she said.
The bomb squad cut its police tape and began leaving 527 Midvale
Ave. at about 1:30 p.m. On Sunday morning, residents of the
affected apartment building and its neighbors said the incident did
not worry them.
Laura Kratochvil, who lives across the street from 527 Midvale,
said she was upset when she first heard about the explosive device.
But as she learned more she stopped worrying since it seemed like
an isolated incident, she said.
“I just think it was someone just trying to make a bomb,
just trying to make something blow up,” said Kratochvil, a
fifth-year economics and history student.
The idea that the device was placed out of immaturity rather
than malice caused some Westwood residents to make light of the
incident.
“I don’t think it’s terrorism, it’s just
annoying student stuff,” said Fernando Alessandri, a Westwood
resident.