A Coachella man was arrested on May 14 after allegedly calling in false bomb and active shooter threats to cause evacuations at major retail stores while he stole merchandise. Carlos Alberto Contreras, 43, is facing multiple charges including falsely reporting a bomb threat, violation of probation, and theft for incidents at retail locations in La Quinta and Indio.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Contreras allegedly called in an anonymous bomb threat on May 5 at a Home Depot store located at 79900 Highway 111 in La Quinta, forcing an evacuation while authorities conducted a thorough search. Just a week later on May 12, he allegedly reported a fake active shooter situation at a Walmart store on Avenue 42 in Indio, causing another evacuation. In both cases, investigators determined the threats were made to create diversions while the suspect stole "high-value merchandise," as reported by KESQ News.
Investigation and Arrest
La Quinta Special Enforcement deputies led the investigation, using various investigative techniques to connect the two incidents. "Through investigative leads, [deputies] determined the same subject had called 911 to have both stores evacuated while he committed thefts of high-value merchandise," stated Lieutenant Francisco Velasco in a press release from the Riverside Sheriff's Office. Deputies located Contreras at a residence in Coachella on May 14 and placed him under arrest without incident.
The Riverside County District Attorney's office has filed charges against Contreras for falsely reporting a bomb threat, falsely reporting an emergency, petty theft with prior convictions, and parole violation. Court records show Contreras is being held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, according to NBC Palm Springs.
Similar Cases and Trends
False threat reports used as diversions for theft have occurred in other California regions, though they remain relatively uncommon. The tactic represents a dangerous escalation in retail theft strategies, causing public safety concerns beyond the financial losses. Data from the Public Policy Institute of California shows that shoplifting trends vary widely across California counties, with some areas like Riverside County experiencing increases above pre-pandemic levels, according to testimony on retail theft presented to state lawmakers in October 2024.
Legal Implications
Under California Penal Code 148.1, falsely reporting a bomb threat is a serious offense that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties upon conviction can include up to one year in county jail for misdemeanor charges or state prison time for felony charges. The crime also carries potential civil liability for emergency response costs. Contreras faces enhanced penalties due to his prior criminal history and probation status, as noted by California Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Authorities emphasize that false emergency reports not only divert valuable law enforcement resources but also create genuine public safety risks during evacuations. "These incidents cause unnecessary fear and panic among shoppers and staff, while putting first responders at risk during emergency responses to fabricated threats," explained a law enforcement expert familiar with such cases.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the Riverside Sheriff's Office, Thermal Station, at (760) 863-8990 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP(7867).
