Reporting a False Bomb Threat, Theft, Violation of Probation 

May 17, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on May 5, 2025, at about 11:22 a.m., Thermal Sheriff’s Station deputies assigned to the city of La Quinta were dispatched to a bomb threat at a large retail store located at the 79900 block of Highway 111. The reporting party for the bomb threat was anonymous. The store had their customers evacuate the store, and deputies searched the building for explosive devices while fire engines staged near the area. After the building was rendered safe by deputies, the store reopened.

On May 12, 2025, Indio Police officers responded to an active shooter in progress at a large retail store located within their city. The reporting party for that incident was anonymous. Police officers responded, and the store was evacuated. Police officers determined there was no active shooter incident.

La Quinta Special Enforcement deputies assumed the investigation and, through investigative leads, determined the same subject had called 911 to have both stores evacuated while he committed thefts of high-value merchandise. The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Carlos Alberto Contreras of Coachella.

On May 14, 2025, La Quinta Special Enforcement Team deputies located Contreras at a residence in Coachella and placed him under arrest without incident. Contreras was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for reporting a false bomb threat, violation of probation, and theft.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, Thermal Station, at (760) 863-8990. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP(7867).

Reporting Supervisor: Lieutenant Francisco Velasco

File # LA251250026

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office