'Erratic' Man Locks Himself Inside Business With Employee

PALM DESERT, CA – A man was arrested and the bomb squad called after the subject reportedly behaved erratically, locked himself in a Palm Desert business with an employee and had a suspicious-looking device in a bag, officials said today.

Officers were called Wednesday at about 6:45 p.m. to the 44400 block of Town Center Way in Palm Desert where a man, identified as Andrew Campbell, 28 from Los Angeles, who allegedly "appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol," was behaving suspiciously, "yelling and acting erratically" inside a company, according to Deputy Armando Muñoz of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

At some point, Campbell entered a backroom and locked himself inside with an employee, the deputy said. A retired law enforcement officer was able to enter the room and detained Campbell until police arrived, Muñoz said.

After Campbell's arrest, a "suspicious device" reportedly was found inside a bag belonging to the man, and the Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team was called and determined the object posed no threat.

Campbell was booked into the Riverside County jail in Indio, with $30,000 bail, for suspicion of false imprisonment and committing a felony while out on bail.

Deputies did not disclose the name of the business or additional details on the item found.

Anyone with information on the case can contact Business District Team Member Deputy Troyer at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station by calling (760) 836-1696. Citizens may also submit a tip using the sheriff's CrimeTips online form

The sheriff’s department also reminded the public that when a possibly hazardous object is found, to leave the item in place and dial 911 from a non-cellular telephone line. "It is recommended to refrain from using a cellular telephone or any other electronic device near and around any suspected explosive devices, when possible," Muñoz said.

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--Image via Riverside County Sheriff's Department