False Bomb Threat Made Near Coachella

A 40-year-old man from Santa Monica is now in custody. He’s suspected of making false bomb threats targeting the Coachella Festival. The Cathedral City Police Department initially responded to reports of a suspicious person at the Agua Caliente Casino. Around noon Saturday, Palm Springs Police located the suspect’s vehicle using Flock license plate technology. Out of caution, PSPD requested help from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad. The vehicle was searched thoroughly. No weapons, explosives, or bomb-making materials were found, according to Cathedral City Police. Despite the false alarm, the threat triggered a full safety response. The man was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. He is currently being held on $1 million bail. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.