Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Dangerous "Sicko" on PCT near Tehachapi

I am Extremely suprised by the following statement in the article:

But in the meantime, investigators will try to determine who is responsible for the nail devices and whether they were buried on the trail easement or private property.

What would be illegal on the trail may not necessarily be illegal on private property, he said.

I don't find that to be anywhere near a true statement. I KNOW if my dog bites a child who comes into my yard, I am the one responsible and can be sued. I would believe that if I put booby traps in my yard, I would be responsible if anybody stepped on them. What the heck are we talking about. Since when did Tehachapi Law Enforcement start turning a blind eye to a definite criminal activity?