Man Arrested After Fake Explosive Devices Found In Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, CA — A San Marcos man was arrested after three devices made to resemble explosives were found Thursday near a building in Carlsbad, authorities said.

Carlsbad police and fire personnel responded about 11:41 a.m. to the 5900 block of El Camino Real after an employee reported finding the suspicious items near the building entrance, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

The items were cylindrical tubes made from PVC pipes and designed and labeled to look like explosive devices, police said.

Officers evacuated the area and closed Orion Road between El Camino Real and Faraday Avenue while the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Bomb/Arson Unit examined the devices. The unit determined they were not explosives.

Investigators identified the suspect as 42-year-old Leobardo AlejandriGomez of San Marcos. He was arrested in connection with the incident.

AlejandriGomez was booked on suspicion of placing or possessing a fake bomb with the intent to cause fear and threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction.

The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information was asked to call Carlsbad police at 442-339-2197.