California man arrested for exiting rainbow-colored restroom at Brand Americana mall with bomb threat, forcing mass evacuation
- It took drones, X-ray machines and LA Bomb Squad officers to defuse the threat
- The brightly painted latrine was only a few meters away from a theater
- Suspect Timothy Taratchila, 22, was due to appear in court today
A shopping center in California was evacuated and police were called when a suspicious toilet was left near shops with a note suggesting it might be a bomb.
Timothy Taratchila, 22, was arrested nearby on suspicion of making a false bomb threat after the ornate toilet at Americana was discovered at Brand shopping center in Glendale around 8pm on Thursday.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Explosive Squad rushed to the scene and a police drone was flown over the property to take a look while buyers were ordered to vacate the property.
The bomb protection unit then used a mobile X-ray machine to examine the contents and determined that they were safe.
“While the LASD Bomb Squad meticulously went through their crime scene safety protocols, officers searched for the suspect,” said a spokesman for the Glendale Police Department (GPD).
The suspicious toilet left in a busy mall, forcing an evacuation
Suspect Timothy Taratchila, 22, was quickly arrested by police who were investigating the toilet
Concerned shoppers poured out of the America Brand mall as it was evacuated
Since the X-ray machine showed nothing suspicious, two members of the bomb squad cautiously approached the latrine and removed the gas cap and seat.
The toilet, which was painted in shades of blue, green, yellow and red, appeared to be adorned with a skull and crossbones and had words like “dog” and “try” scrawled on it.
It was parked about 50 feet from the mall’s AMC theater and police said it may have been transported on a luggage trolley found dumped nearby.
The threat was only lifted at 11 p.m. and the relieved staff were allowed to return.
“Thanks to our significant investment in security, we were able to quickly assist GPD in identifying and locating a suspect who was then arrested,” said Rick Caruso, owner of the mall.
A police drone was dispatched to investigate the mysterious multicolored object
A bomb squad peers into the dish to assess the threat
“We do not condone criminal activity on our properties and will take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of our guests, renters, residents and employees.”
“We thank our security team and GPD for their quick response and action in arresting the suspect.”
Taratchila, from Burbank, was brought to the Glendale Police Department in lieu of $15,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Glendale Municipal Court on Friday.
The police could not clarify the motive for any motive.