‘Suspicious Package’ Shuts Down Streets Near Gene Autry and Vista Chino

A “suspicious device” found inside a car parked at the intersection of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail forced police to shut down streets near the intersection, according to a police spokesperson.

The device was found around 11 a.m. inside a car that was being repossessed on the 2000 block of Executive at the time. The repossession company worker saw what he determined was a questionable device inside the car, and called police.

The Palm Springs Police Department brought in a bomb disposal unit, prompting them to block off some streets until further notice, including Via Escuela.

Police on the scene tell News Channel 3’s Marc Blaine they found a bottle inside with wires coming out of it. In the end, police said it was a bicycle part that looked similar to what could have been an explosive. They think it may have been put there to scare the repossession workers.

No one was injured, and Via Escuela and Executive Road were re-opened at 1:30 p.m.