Booby Trap Attacks Aimed at SoCal Cop, Alleged Retaliation for Drug Arrest

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CBS/AP) A southern California man is charged with three counts of attempting to murder a police officer in a series of booby trap attacks.

Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco says Nicholas Smit, from the small town of Hemet,  was also charged Wednesday with making a booby trap, possession of a zip gun and conspiracy to kill a police officer.

Authorities say Smit is suspected of planting booby traps to hurt a Hemet officer who arrested him in a marijuana case.

They say Smit thought the pot case would go away if he killed or injured the officer.

Smit's friend Steven Hansen was charged with conspiracy and one count of attempted murder.