On Friday, February 21, 2014 at approximately 9:50 p.m. officers from the Redding Police Department responded to the Howard Johnson Inn on a report of an explosion. Upon arrival officers learned the explosion was due to a honey oil extraction lab.
Further investigation revealed two females fled the location in a red Ford Mustang. The females were reported to be accompanied by two toddlers or infants. Officers searched the Redding area for the women and children but met with negative results.
On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at approximately 2:30 p.m. officers learned the whereabouts of the missing women and children. Officers responded the Lazy Landing mobile home park located at 8600 Shoreline Drive in the unincorporated area of Shasta County.
Officers contacted Amanda Hepler, 27 years old, of Redding. She was accompanied by three of her five children, a two month old, a one year old and a two year old, all males.
Hepler confirmed she was at the Howard Johnson Inn during the explosion and fled after, fearing police contact. She also confirmed her three children were with her at the time of the explosion. The second female adult is still outstanding.
Hepler was arrested for an outstanding felony burglary warrant. The children were taken into protective custody. Hepler and her children had no obvious physical injuries due to the explosion.
The investigation is ongoing.
Redding Police Department press release.
