Residents of Irvine’s exclusive Altair community are still reeling after a multi-day federal investigation into a “homemade science lab” brought hazmat suits and FBI agents to their quiet, multimillion-dollar neighborhood. What began as a routine check on a rental property has turned into a high-stakes investigation involving potential chemical hazards.
The Incident: From “Suspicious Activity” to FBI Raid
The situation unfolded on Monday, February 23, 2026, when a landlord reported “suspicious activity” at a home near Cartwheel and Iluna. When Irvine Police arrived, they discovered a “homemade science lab” with signs that a small fire had recently occurred…