A man from Florida is facing charges after allegedly making a false bomb threat at a Home Depot store. The incident occurred when a loss prevention officer confronted the man, identified as 37-year-old Timothy Aviles, on suspicion of shoplifting. Aviles reportedly told the officer that he had explosives in his backpack, asking him, “Can you smell it?”
According to a criminal complaint, Aviles then “removed a pack of lighters from his pocket” after leaving the store and acted as if he was about to ignite something. The loss prevention officer, fearing that Aviles was about to set off a device, confiscated the lighters. The officer then contacted a deputy from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office who was working off-duty at the store.
The off-duty deputy detained Aviles, who allegedly continued to make threats against the store and its patrons. This led to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad being called to the scene and the evacuation of the Home Depot.
The complaint alleges that Aviles reiterated his claim that there was a bomb in his backpack. However, a subsequent search of Aviles’ bag revealed no explosive materials. Instead, police reportedly found two stolen bottles of Tide detergent.
The loss prevention officer, who had observed Aviles place the detergent bottles in his backpack and the lighters in his pocket, identified himself to Aviles as he exited the store. Aviles then dropped his backpack and told the officer that it contained a bomb that could explode at any time.
The total value of the items Aviles allegedly stole from Home Depot was approximately $25. A background check revealed that Aviles has previous convictions dating back to 2019, including one earlier this year for petty theft.
Aviles declined to speak with investigators and was subsequently charged and transported. He is currently facing one count of making a false report about placing a bomb or explosive and one count of petty theft. Aviles was held on a $7,500 bond and ordered to stay away from Home Depot.