Concord man is convicted of throwing pipe bombs at police officers during high-speed chase

A Concord man was convicted after he threw pipe bombs strapped to gasoline containers at police more than once during a high-speed chase from San Francisco to the East Bay last October, prosecutors said Thursday.

Daniel Garcia, 42, was found guilty by a jury of three counts of detonating an explosive device with intent to injure, four counts of possession of an explosive device and one count of evading an officer with willful disregard for people or property, according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

On Oct. 29, 2023, Garcia randomly attacked a man at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in San Francisco, punching him in the head and knocking him unconscious, prosecutors said. He then fled to his car as churchgoers called police, driving away as officers arrived.

During the chase from San Francisco to the East Bay, Garcia threw two pipe bombs, which were strapped to containers filled with gasoline, out of his window toward police officers; the bombs exploded, but did not harm the officers or bystanders.

After reaching Martinez in Contra Costa County, Garcia blew out one of his tires on a poorly executed turn. The wheel then “literally fell off” and he surrendered, according to prosecutors.

When authorities searched Garcia's home after the pursuit, they found additional bombs and all the materials used to make them, authorities said.

Following the conviction, Garcia remained in custody awaiting sentencing. He faces up to 14 years in state prison for his crimes; his sentencing is scheduled for April 23. Before sentencing, the court will hear and rule on an allegation that these crimes were committed while Garcia was out on bail for another felony.

“Mr. Garcia time and again placed civilians and law enforcement in danger by choosing to construct dangerous explosive devices, transport them to San Francisco, and then explode them on city streets, not to mention assaulting an innocent man while he prayed in church,” Assistant District Attorney Edward Mario said in a news release. “Mr. Garcia has shown no remorse for his actions, but the jury's verdict ensures that he will face accountability for his unprompted violent and reckless behavior.”