Man Arrested for False Bomb Threat at Miami-Dade Home Depot After Shoplifting Confrontation

Shoplifting Incident Escalates to Bomb Threat

• 🎯 A shoplifting incident at a Home Depot in Cutler Bay escalated when a 47-year-old man, identified as Timothy Charles Avalez, was confronted by a loss prevention worker.
• 🎒 Avalez was reportedly stuffing items, including bottles of detergent, into his backpack when he was stopped.

False Bomb Threat and Evacuation

• ⚠️ When confronted, Avalez allegedly dropped the bag and claimed there was a bomb inside that could explode at any time.
• 🗣️ He also pulled out lighters and asked the worker, "Can you smell it?", suggesting an intent to ignite something.
• 🚨 An off-duty deputy overheard the threats, leading to the evacuation of the store and the involvement of the Miami-Dade bomb squad.

Investigation and Charges

• 🔍 The bomb squad thoroughly searched the backpack but found no explosives, only two bottles of Tide detergent.
• ⚖️ Timothy Avalez appeared in bond court facing charges of theft and making a false bomb threat.
• 💰 His bond was set at $7,500, and court records indicate he has at least two prior theft convictions.
• 🔒 He is currently in jail.