Bomb explodes under Sonoma County Sheriff’s patrol car, man arrested

A man attempted to blow up a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office patrol car Friday morning, injuring one person, authorities said. A man attempted to blow up a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office patrol car Friday morning, injuring one person, authorities said. Photo: / Photo: / Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Bomb explodes under Sonoma County Sheriff’s patrol car, man arrested 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

A man ignited a bomb under a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office patrol car Friday morning to injure one person, authorities said.

Shortly before noon Friday, the deputy parked his car in the parking lot of the Safeway in Guerneville and walked inside before a loud explosion “rattled the windows” of the grocery store, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

The deputy rushed out and witnesses pointed at a man running through the parking lot, authorities said. The suspect was taken into custody after being tackled by an off-duty police officer.

Witnesses allegedly saw the man throwing items under the deputy’s patrol car prior to the loud explosion. One Safeway employee near the explosion suffered minor injuries.

She was treated at the scene and was able to return to work, authorities said.

At the time of his arrest, the suspect was allegedly holding a backpack that containing more explosive devices, leading deputies to evacuate the Safeway and surrounding area.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad “neutralized” the backpack, authorities said.

The Safeway parking lot remained closed while the Sheriff’s bomb dog swept for more explosives. Deputies also investigated the suspect’s car for further explosives.

The Safeway store reopened for business, but with limited access, authorities said.

The Sheriff’s office said they are not releasing the suspect’s name at this time but he is believed to be a Sonoma County man.

The investigation is ongoing.

Erin Stone is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: erin.stone@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erstone7