June 12, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Police Release Details About Suspicious Device Found Tuesday

Fourth false bomb threat to occur over past year in Santa Monica

By Sam Catanzaro

Earlier this week a suspicious device was found on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, forcing authorities to call in a bomb squad unit and implement street closures in the area. Now the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has announced what the device was.

The device was found on the 1900 block of Wilshire Boulevard near the Walgreens late afternoon Tuesday during rush hour and street closures caused heavy congestion in the area as police rerouted traffic. At 5:15 p.m., the SMPD deemed that the device posed no threat to public safety.

According to SMPD Lieutenant Candice Cobarrubias, the device ended up being some batteries wrapped in electrical tape and that the Department does not know the motive behind why the device was left in public.

“We have no idea who left it and were unable to determine why they did it. In something like this, we take a picture of the device and send it to the [Los Angeles Sheriff’s Departmnet] Bomb Squad and they tell us if they feel it worthy of them coming out to investigate it further,” Cobarrubias said.

This the fourth time this year and the third time in recent months that a suspicious package has been found in Santa Monica. On February 28 a suspicious package was found near a house 2400 block of Arizona Avenue, just blocks away from where Tuesday’s incident occurred. On September 16 a pressure-cooker-like object was spotted in a trash container in front of the Urban Outfitters on the Third Street Promenade, closing down a portion of the shopping destination for several hours. On September 22, just a few days later, a suspicious package was found near the area of 4th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

<>Related Posts

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Third Annual Rosé on Rose Wine Fest Comes to Venice Beach This Weekend

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Rosé offerings priced between $8 and $10 per glass at various Rose Avenue establishments The third annual Rosé on Rose...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

New Gourmet Store O&V CA Opens on Montana Avenue

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The store, which celebrated its grand opening recently, specializes in a carefully curated selection of fresh, extra-virgin olive oils  A...

Santa Monica Secures Nearly $1M to Expand Neighborhood Greenway Projects

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The 36-month project, set to begin this summer, includes community engagement through pop-ups, walk audits, and a citywide survey Santa...

Congregation and Family Fight to Stop Sale of Historic Venice Church

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Descendants and supporters rally against alleged unlawful sale, seeking historic status and legal action Members of Friendship Baptist Church and...

Rodeo Realty’s Palisades Office Becomes First Rebuild Post-Fire

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The structure, now fully framed, is set to reopen this year Rodeo Realty announced that the reconstruction of its Pacific...

ICE Detentions Confirmed in Culver City and Westchester Car Washes Amid Federal Raids

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Families Say Loved Ones Taken Without Warning; Viral Video Shows Teen Screaming  While the focus has been on cities such...

Santa Monica ‘Pier 360’ Beach Festival Returns June 28–29 with Two Days of Surf, Sports, and SoCal Vibes

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Free All-Ages Event Features Ocean Races, Skate Competitions, Roller Rink, Beer Garden, Live Music, Kids Activities, And More The Santa...

Opinion: The Great Park of Santa Monica—And How We Can Afford It

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

By Alan Levenson In 2014, Santa Monica voters overwhelmingly passed Measure LC to close the airport and build a park....

LGBTQ Icon Mariah Hanson Says Goodbye to The Dinah After 34 Legendary Years

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The Dinah’s Founder Mariah Hanson Takes Final Bow This Fall Mariah Hanson, the pioneering force behind The Dinah, the world’s...

Santa Monica Considers Sweeping Cannabis Zoning Overhaul

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The proposed amendments, officials say, will boost the local cannabis industry while addressing social equity concerns The Santa Monica Planning...

Parents Protest Removal of Beloved Principal at Broadway Elementary School

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The decision, announced less than two weeks before the end of the school year, has sparked protests, and a petition...

Jason Momoa to Perform and Bartend at The Bungalow Santa Monica’s Night Market

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Minecraft Star Returns to the Bungalow With Live Music, and Top L.A. Food Vendors Actor Jason Momoa will make his...