Toilet Bomb Threat Prompts Mall Evacuation

GLENDALE, CA — A suspect was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of making a bomb threat using a toilet left at The Americana at Brand mall in Glendale.

The suspicious toilet covered in graffiti and an apparent bomb threat was reported near the AMC Theater at the mall at about 8 p.m., according to the Glendale Police Department. The area was evacuated and a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department bomb squad was called in shortly after 9 p.m. Fox 11 footage showed a toilet on the sidewalk flanked by a hotel dolly with a SWAT Team drone hovering above.

The bomb squad X-rayed the toilet and two bomb squad members dismantled the toilet by removing the tank lid and the seat.

Ultimately, the toilet was cleared of any danger, and an unidentified suspect was taken into custody at the scene. The evacuation was lifted by 10 p.m..

Rick Caruso, the mall's owner released a statement about the incident to KTLA.

“Earlier this evening, a suspicious item and note were left at The Americana at Brand. As a result of our significant investment in security measures, we were able to quickly assist the GPD in identifying and locating a suspect who was then arrested," he said. "We do not tolerate criminal activity on our properties and will take every step necessary to ensure the safety of our guests, tenants, residents and employees. We extend our gratitude to our security team and to the GPD for their quick response and action in arresting the suspect.