Press Release: MCSO Bomb Squad Responds to Suspicious Item Left Next to CHP Vehicle

DATE/TIME: 07/07/25 at 3:45 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad Responds to Suspicious Item Left Next to CHP Vehicle

LOCATION: 17000-Block Viera Canyon Road, Prunedale, CA 93907

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded to a report of a suspicious item that had been left leaning against a CHP patrol vehicle parked at a business on the 17000-Block of Vierra Canyon Road in Prunedale, CA.

At approximately 7:45 AM on Monday, July 7th, 2025, California Highway Patrol officers who were at a local business on the 17000-Block of Vierra Canyon Road, were contacted by patrons and made aware of a bag sitting next to their patrol vehicle. The CHP officers checked and found an item appearing to be similar to a large black soft-sided computer bag, next to their vehicle. CHP officers reviewed surveillance footage that showed a subject walking up and placing the bag next to their patrol vehicle.

At about 8:15 AM, out of an abundance of caution, CHP requested the assistance of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad to attempt to identify the contents of the bag.

A short time later, a subject matching the description of the person seen in the surveillance footage was located in a nearby shopping center on San Miguel Canyon Road and detained.

A perimeter was established, and Vierra Canyon Road was closed between Highway 101 and the Prune Tree Shopping Center to ensure public safety. Patrons and other people in the immediate area were notified of the suspicious item.

At about 11:15 AM, the Bomb Squad was able to confirm that the bag contained a DVD player. Roadways were reopened after it was determined there was no threat to the public.

The subject, who was detained by Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies, was released after it was discovered that he had found the bag containing the DVD player and was merely trying to turn it in as found property. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that any lost or misplaced items can be reported by calling local law enforcement or making face-to-face contact with officers or deputies directly. We would also like to remind the public that if you see suspicious packages or circumstances, please call 9-1-1.