CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. — A 40-year-old man from Santa Monica was arrested on Saturday after allegedly claiming he would be responsible for a bombing at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, local authorities confirmed.
Coachella: Threat Made at Agua Caliente Casino
According to the Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD), Davis Darvish approached security personnel at the Agua Caliente Casino and made a verbal threat regarding a bombing at Coachella. The incident took place just before 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The casino, located approximately 17 miles from the Empire Polo Club—the main venue for the Coachella festival—immediately contacted law enforcement.
No Weapons or Explosives Found
Following a swift response, officers were able to identify the Tesla Darvish was driving and issued an alert to festival security and regional law enforcement. When Darvish was detained around 12:11 p.m. in Palm Springs, authorities found no weapons, explosives, or bomb-making materials in his vehicle or on his person.
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Police Used Advanced Tracking Tech to Locate Suspect
Police credited the use of FLOCK ALPR (Automated License Plate Recognition) technology to track Darvish’s vehicle as it moved through the Coachella Valley. This system allowed officers to intercept the suspect within an hour of the initial report.
The Palm Springs Police Department detained Darvish and turned over the investigation to CCPD detectives.
Suspect Held on $1 Million Bail
Darvish is currently being held at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on $1 million bail, pending further investigation.
