Bomb scare at Indian Wells hotel

Part of the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Hotel was evacuated early Sunday morning after hotel staff found a suspicious package.

It was found in the front lobby near the entrance. The item was partially visible and had wires.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived at about 4:30 am, and evacuated the area as a precaution.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team was called in to examine the item.

Bomb technicians determined the package was not an explosive, but rather a large, dismantled butane lighter.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says hotel services were minimally disturbed during the investigation.