Man Accused of Faking Bomb and Shooter Threats to Rob Stores in La Quinta and Indio

A Coachella man is under arrest, accused of using fake emergency threats to steal from stores in La Quinta and Indio.

Authorities say 43-year-old Carlos Alberto Contreras called in false bomb and active shooter threats, forcing evacuations at local businesses and creating chaos—all while he stole high-value merchandise.

One of the incidents happened on May 5 at the Home Depot in La Quinta off Highway 111. Deputies responded to a bomb threat, prompting a full evacuation of the store. After an extensive search, no devices were found.

Days later, another false report came in—this time an active shooter threat in Indio. Once again, law enforcement responded, and once again, no threat was found.

Investigators linked both hoaxes to Contreras and arrested him at his home in Coachella. He is now facing multiple charges, including making false threats and theft.

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