Teen Bomb 'Prank' At California Mall Triggers Fear, Chaos

SIMI VALLEY, CA -- A Southern California teen was in juvenile hall Monday after he allegedly visited a mall wearing what appeared to be a bomb vest while holding a briefcase, sparking fear among patrons and business owners who called police.

Simi Valley Police Department said officers responded to Simi Valley Town Center Mall on Sunday afternoon after receiving multiple calls about a teenager wearing a black "bomb vest" with wires hanging from it. He was also carrying a briefcase, which he would set down from time to time then run off as though it would explode, police said.

"As you can well imagine, this behavior generated numerous calls to the police station, alarmed numerous patrons at the mall, and caused at least one of the businesses at the mall to close to the public and trigger an emergency alarm in order to grab the attention of law enforcement," police said in a press release.

Arriving officers determined the "bomb vest" was fake and arrested the 17-year-old under two charges. A friend who accompanied him was released to parents, police said.

Police reminded the public that any bomb threat is taken "extremely seriously" even as a prank.

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