The original item was published from 5/22/2021 8:33:31 AM to 7/23/2021 12:00:00 AM.

Press Releases

Palm Desert Station

Posted on: May 22, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Post Blast Explosion Investigation

RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT *Sheriff Chad Bianco*
Press Release:	Post Blast Explosion Investigation
Station Area:	Rancho Mirage
Written Date:	May 19, 2021	Time:	8:00 PM
Incident Date:	October 31, 2020	Time:	12:29 AM
Incident Location:	70200 block of Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Reporting Officer:	Sergeant Steve Davis
File Number(s):	S203050015

Details:

On October 31, 2020, about 12:29 AM, deputies responded to the 70200 block of Highway 111, within the city of Rancho Mirage, reference an explosion. At that time, it was learned someone placed an explosive device in a cement trash receptacle. The device exploded, causing a debris field which extended across the six lanes of Highway 111. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Device Team (HDT) responded along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to conduct the investigation.

After further investigation, 49 year old Jason Hershey, of Bermuda Dunes, and 58 year old Michael Hardisty, of Cathedral City were identified as suspects. On May 19, 2021, HDT with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Services Team (EST) arrested Jason Hershey in the area of Washington Street and Country Club Drive, within the unincorporated area of Bermuda Dunes. Michael Hardisty was arrested the same day by HDT in the area of Highway 111 and Palm Hills, within the city of Palm Springs.

Hardisty and Hershey are both being charged with exploding a destructive device with the intent to cause property damage and also felony vandalism.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.