Pair Arrested for Planting Explosive Device

Two males arrested for planting explosive machine in Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE — Two Coachella Valley males have been arrested in reference to an explosion that occurred at 12:29 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2020 within the 70200 block of Freeway 111, throughout the metropolis of Rancho Mirage, in response to Sergeant Steve Davis of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Workplace.

At the moment, it was realized somebody positioned an explosive machine in a cement trash receptacle. The machine exploded, inflicting a particles discipline which prolonged throughout the six lanes of Freeway 111. There have been no accidents.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Device Team (HDT) responded together with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to conduct the investigation.

Jason Hershey

After additional investigation, 49-year-old Jason Hershey, of Bermuda Dunes, and 58-year-old Michael Hardisty, of Cathedral Metropolis had been recognized as suspects.

On Could 19, 2021, HDT with the help of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Division Emergency Companies Crew (EST) arrested Hershey within the space of Washington Road and Nation Membership Drive, throughout the unincorporated space of Bermuda Dunes. Hardisty was arrested the identical day by HDT within the space of Freeway 111 and Palm Hills, throughout the metropolis of Palm Springs.

Hardisty and Hershey are each being charged with exploding a harmful machine with the intent to trigger property injury and in addition felony vandalism.