August 25, 2026 – Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials report that at around 10:00 a.m. on August 22, 2026, TCSO Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a car for a motor vehicle violation. The driver, 28-year-old Camren James Pankratz, was found to be on county probation and a search of his vehicle was conducted.

While checking the center console, a hidden compartment below the center console was spotted. Inside of it, drugs, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, a homemade firearm known as a zip gun, as well as possibly a small pipe bomb.

Detectives from the Central Valley Regional Bomb Squad were called to investigate the device. They were able to determine it was, in fact, a live pipe bomb.

TCSO Detectives were contacted and a search warrant was written for Pankratz’ home near Sultana.

While searching his house, more items were found that were identified to be pipe bomb making materials. The items were rendered safe on scene and collected as evidence.

Pankratz was booked into jail for various weapons related charges. A passenger was also arrested and booked on an unrelated warrant.

Source & photos: Tulare County Sheriff's Office