Hoax Bomb At Pasadena Police Department Planted By Local Man, Police Say

PASADENA, CA — A hoax explosive device that were left outside the Pasadena Police Department -- prompting evacuations, street closures and a bomb squad response -- led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man, authorities announced Wednesday.

About 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, police personnel spotted a suspicious package placed near the department's north entrance in the 200 block of East Walnut Street.

"Officers were unable to locate the owner, and out of abundance of caution and within normal suspicious package protocols, the immediate area was evacuated," according to Pasadena police Lt. Jesse Carrillo. "The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's bomb squad responded, and after carefully assessing the suspicious package, successfully rendered the package safe. Further examination of the package revealed threatening letters addressed to members of the police department, and items packaged in a manner resembling an explosive device."

Police and Pasadena Fire Department arson Investigator Trey Sorensen identified a suspect -- local resident Daniel Alberto Aguilar -- and he was arrested at his home about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Carrillo said.

Aguilar admitted to "intentionally placing" the package, according to the lieutenant, and was booked on suspicion of possessing or placing a facsimile device of mass destruction with intent to cause fear.

He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail, according to sheriff's inmate records. Police plan to present the case on Friday to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.

City News Service