COVINA — A former resident of a Covina adult independent living home arrested earlier this week on suspicion of trashing the home following his eviction has been released from custody without charges, authorities said. The home was also filled with natural gas.
Steven Moss, 44, was booked on suspicion of burglary, vandalism and attempting to explode a structure Sunday afternoon after he was found at the home in the 200 block of West Gragmont Street, Covina police Sgt. Rob Bobkiewicz said. He and another resident had been kicked out of the home the previous day by the homeowner.
But prosecutors Tuesday declined to file charges against him citing insufficient evidence, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Shiara Davila-Morales said.
He was released from jail Tuesday morning, according to county booking records.
After a heated exchange between the two evicted residents and the homeowner Saturday, the home was found vandalized Saturday night, police said. The floor, windows and appliances had been badly damaged.
More damage was discovered Sunday afternoon when the homeowner returned. The home had been flooded with water and filled with natural gas from open but unlit gas ranges, Bobkiewicz said. Moss was spotted inside the home and ultimately taken into custody in the backyard, he added.