A California man is arrested for exiting a rainbow-colored TOILET with bomb threat at Americana at the Brand mall, forcing a mass evacuation
- It took drones, x-rays and LA bomb squad officers to defuse the threat
- The brightly colored latrine was a few meters from a theater
- Suspect Timothy Taratchila, 22, was due to appear in court today
A California mall was evacuated and police were called when a suspicious toilet was left near stores with a note warning it may be a bomb.
Timothy Taratchila, 22, was arrested nearby on suspicion of making a false bomb threat after the lavishly decorated restroom was discovered at the Americana at Brand mall in Glendale around 8 p.m. Thursday.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad rushed to the scene and a police drone was flown over the property to take a closer look as shoppers were ordered to leave the premises.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service then used a mobile X-ray machine to examine the contents before determining it to be safe.
“While the LASD Bomb Squad was scrutinizing their safety protocols, officers began searching for the suspect,” a Glendale Police Department (GPD) spokesman said.
The suspicious toilet that forced an evacuation when it was abandoned in a crowded shopping mall
Suspect Timothy Taratchila, 22, was quickly apprehended by police investigating the restroom
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 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service cautiously approached the latrine and removed the tank lid and chair.
The toilet, painted blue, green, yellow and red, appeared to be decorated with a skull and had words like “dog” and “attempt” scribbled on it.
It was left about 50 feet from the mall’s AMC Theater, and police said it may have been transported on a baggage car dumped nearby.
It was eleven o’clock in the evening before the threat was lifted and the relieved personnel were allowed to return.
“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 subsequently arrested,” said mall owner Rick Caruso.
A police drone was sent to investigate the mysterious multicolored object
A bomb squad peers into the bowl to assess the threat
“We do not tolerate criminal activity on our properties and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our guests, tenants, residents and employees.
“We express our gratitude to our security team and to the GPD for their prompt response and action in apprehending the suspect.”
Burbank’s Taratchila was taken to Glendale Police Department in lieu of $15,000 bail and will appear in Glendale Municipal Court on Friday.
The police could not lift the lid for any motive.