July 31, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Monday, July 29, 2024, deputies from the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station, with the assistance of the Riverside County Probation Department, conducted a probation compliance check at a residence in the 17000 block of Blythe Way in the unincorporated area of Blythe. Two explosive devices were found during the check, and surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team responded to the address and rendered the devices safe. There is no further threat to the community. The devices were collected and disposed of per department procedure.

During the investigation, it was determined Omar Perez, a 28-year-old resident of Blythe, was in possession of the explosive devices. Perez was arrested and booked into the Blythe Jail for possession of an explosive device, possession of narcotics, and a violation of probation.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Ritchie or Deputy Moreno at Colorado River Station at (760) 921-7900.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Phil Lorton

File # A242110005

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office