On Friday, July 4th, 2014, at approximately 5:24 AM, Suspect Phillip Anderson, a 45 year old, Male Black, placed an item clearly meant to look like an explosive device inside of the Metro Pershing Square Red Line Station, in downtown Los Angeles. The busy subway station was evacuated and closed for several hours until personnel from the Sheriff’s Arson and Explosives Detail could clear the location and render the package safe. LASD Transit North Bureau deputies began their investigation, aided by Transit Policing detectives.
Using surveillance video and eyewitness accounts, investigators were able to identify Anderson and place him at the scene of the crime. However, it was not until six months later that Anderson was detained by the Los Angeles Police Department on January 29th, 2015. During the detention LAPD officers discovered that Anderson was wanted for questioning by the sheriff’s department in regards to the bomb hoax. Transit deputies took custody of suspect Anderson so that he could be questioned by sheriff’s investigators.
Sergeant John Hanson of the Sheriff’s Arson and Explosives Detail said that he interviewed suspect Anderson at length, and he admitted to creating and placing the hoax device in the Red Line Station on that day. Although his motives remain unclear there was other evidence found when he was arrested that also implicated him.
On Monday, February 2nd one felony count was filed against Anderson for violation of 148.1(d) P.C., Creating a Bomb Hoax. He is being held in lieu of $40,000. bail. However, due to already being on a supervised release program at the time of his arrest, he is being held without bail until a hearing can be held to possibly revoke his early release status.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local sheriff’s station or police department. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Please remember, if you SEE SOMETHING that you believe is suspicious or doesn’t look right to you, SAY SOMETHING by calling: (888) 950-SAFE (7233), or your local police department. You can also use the Transit Watch LA App, to report crime or advise of something/someone suspicious. The App can be downloaded at the Apple App Store, or on Google Play for Android Devices. http://transitwatchla.org/ (remember though, calling is always best!!)
To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the LASD via e-mail, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD-Transit Services Bureau HQ, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and also register for your local LASD station area. Or, text “LASD Transit HQ” to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.
For media inquiries please contact:
Ramon Montenegro, L.E.T.
Transit Policing Division – Unit Public Information Officer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(213) 922-3649
24 Hr. : (888) 950-SAFE (7233)
Email: [email protected]
Transit Watch LA website: http://www.transitwatchla.org/
LASD website: www.lasd.org
Address/Location
LASD - Transit Policing Division, Los Angeles County Sheriff
One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop: 99-PL-15
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: (888) 950-SAFE (7233)
Website: http://www.lasd.org
Follow us at: Text and Emails, LASD HQ: http://www.Nixle.com
http://nixle.com/lasd----hq-newsroom-shb-los-angeles-county-sheriff/
Twitter: @LASDHQ http://twitter.com/LASDHQ
Twitter: @LASDtalk https://twitter.com/LASDTalk
Twitter: @LASDvideos https://twitter.com/LASDvideos
Twitter: @LASDespanol https://twitter.com/LASDespanol
Facebook LASD HQ: http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Instagram LASD Photos: http://instagram.com/LASDHQ Pinterest
LASD Photos : http://pinterest.com/lacountysheriff/
YouTube LASD Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/LACountySheriff/videos?view=0
Alert LA County: Telephone emergency mass notification system
http://www.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla
SNAP LA County: Specific Needs Disaster Voluntary Registry http://snap.lacounty.gov/
Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SIB), Los Angeles County Sheriff" AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.
"If You See Something, Say Something"
LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Jim McDonnell, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
