The bomb squad as called to a Palm Desert shoe store Wednesday night to investigate a “suspicious device.”
Police were called to the Skechers Factory Outlet store on Town Center Way at about 6:45 pm because of a man believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a sheriff’s department spokesman told the Desert Sun.
#Breaking: bomb squad en route to check out this suspicious package in front of Skechers in Palm Desert. A man was arrested after trying to barricade himself inside the store. Live reports to come. pic.twitter.com/VHIZFd5p6H
— Joe Galli (@JoeGalliNews) January 18, 2018
Employees told KESQ that a man came into the store and was being chased by a plainclothes police officer. The man then attempted to barricade himself inside the store office with an employee, but the officer was able to get the door open.
The suspicious device was spotted inside a bag brought to the store by the man.
The bomb squad determined the package was not a bomb and the man was arrested.
All Clear! Robots shoot suspicious package and nothing happens. Box looked like it was full of pens and paper. pic.twitter.com/v1k5BPm4qQ
— Joe Galli (@JoeGalliNews) January 18, 2018
The suspect attempted to barricade himself inside the store office with an employee, but the officer was able to get the door open and the employee escaped unharmed.
