Rimrock AZ (July 25, 2019) – On July 24, 2019, 38-year-old James Nicholson from Rimrock threatened and falsely reported a bomb device to several individuals in the 3200 block of E Beaver Creek Road, Rimrock.
Deputies learned that Nicholson arrived early in the morning, around 5 AM, at the Dollar Store on Beaver Creek Road and told an employee, “Don’t go around the back of the building, there is a bomb.” The employee was concerned about Nicholson’s suspicious behavior and comment and reported the actions to other employees at the time. They checked the area but could not find any evidence of the suspicious package mentioned by Nicholson who had since ridden away on his bicycle and was no longer in the area. Around 9:45 AM, employees found a metal box they did not recognize at the rear of the store.
Employees told the store manager about the box and the Sheriff’s Office was notified just before 10 AM. Deputies instructed the manager to evacuate the store pending their arrival. Customers and employees waited outside.
Once on scene, deputies located the suspicious metal box lying next to an electrical box behind the store. It appeared the box had not been there for an extended period. Deputies set a safety zone and directed bystanders away from the area while notifying the Department of Public Safety Bomb Squad.
While waiting for the DPS team, deputies found Nicholson at the local post office and brought him back to the scene to ascertain details. It was at this time Nicholson stated he had killed a snake earlier after it was injured when he ran over it on his bike. He decided to place the snake and the ax he used to kill it in a box he saw at the Dollar Store. Before leaving, Nicholson claimed he warned an employee about the snake in the box, but denied mentioning a bomb was in the box.
The DPS Bomb Squad arrived and remotely confirmed the metal box contained only a snake and small ax. The incident took over 4 hours to resolve with community safety being the priority at all times.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of Nicholson for Threatening in reckless Disregard to Cause Public Inconvenience, Evacuation of Building, and the second charge of False reporting. Both charges are misdemeanors. Nicholson remains in-custody, bond information is not currently available.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov