CARLSBAD, Calif. — On Aug. 20, 2026, at approximately 11:41 a.m., Carlsbad Police and Fire personnel responded to the 5900 block of El Camino Real after an employee reported finding three suspicious items on the ground near the entrance to the building.
Officers arrived and located three cylindrical tubes made to resemble explosive devices. Officers evacuated the surrounding area, secured the scene and closed Orion Road between El Camino Real and Faraday Avenue while the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Bomb/Arson Unit responded to evaluate the items.
The Bomb/Arson Unit safely secured and examined the items and determined they were not explosive devices. The items were made from PVC pipes and were constructed and labeled to resemble explosive devices.
During the investigation, officers identified 42-year-old Leobardo AlejandriGomez of San Marcos as the suspect. Officers located and arrested AlejandriGomez in connection with the incident.
Alejandri Gomez was booked on suspicion of the following charges:
California Penal Code 148.1(d): Placing or possessing a false or facsimile bomb with the intent to cause fear for another person’s safety.
California Penal Code 11418.5: Knowingly threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction with the specific intent to threaten.
The Carlsbad Police Department takes all bomb threats and reports of suspicious devices seriously. Even when suspicious items are ultimately determined not to be explosive, these incidents require a significant public safety response to protect the community and first responders.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Carlsbad Police Department at 442-339-2197.
For more information
Lieutenant Eric Kovanda, 760-814-4463 or eric.kovanda@carlsbadca.gov
Police media contact
Denise Ramirez, Public Information Officer, 442-339-5647 or denise.ramirez@carlsbadca.gov
