A man who was allegedly driving around with an “improvised explosive device,” which sheriff’s deputies discovered when they searched his vehicle during a traffic stop in unincorporated Desert Hot Springs, was charged with unlawful possession of a destructive or explosive device Thursday.
Norman Bell, 55, of Desert Hot Springs, was arrested Saturday afternoon after being pulled over by deputies near Little Morongo and Dillon roads.
Deputies did not specify the type of device, saying only that it was found inside Bell’s car about 4:30 p.m. Saturday following the traffic stop.
The discovery prompted a response from the sheriff’s hazardous device team, which “took possession of the device and rendered it safe,” Deputy Armando Munoz said.
Bell was booked into the Riverside County jail in Indio, where he remains held on $35,000 bail.
Bell is slated to make his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon. He also faces a felony count of altering or forging his vehicle registration and a misdemeanor count of possession of controlled substances.
Court records indicate Bell has no prior criminal record in Riverside County.
–City News Service