A shoplifting incident escalated dramatically on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, when a suspect, identified as 37-year-old Timothy Aviles, allegedly threatened a loss prevention officer by claiming a backpack contained a bomb.
The threat prompted the evacuation of the Home Depot store and the deployment of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. at the Home Depot located at 19400 SW 106th Avenue in Miami. According to reports from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, a store Loss Prevention Officer observed Aviles allegedly concealing items, including two bottles of Tide detergent and a pack of lighters.
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When the officer confronted Aviles after he exited the store without paying, the suspect allegedly immediately dropped the backpack and stated there was a bomb inside that “could explode at any time.”
He then allegedly asked the officer, “Can you smell it?” before pulling the pack of lighters from his pocket.
Fearing Aviles intended to ignite a device, the Loss Prevention Officer reportedly took the lighters from him. The officer then contacted a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy working off-duty at the business, Deputy M. Lomeli.
While being detained, Aviles allegedly repeated the bomb threat. Due to the seriousness of the statements, the Home Depot was evacuated, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called to the scene.
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After a thorough examination, the Bomb Squad determined the backpack contained no explosive materials. Its contents were confirmed to be the two stolen Tide detergent bottles. The total value of the stolen property was estimated to be approximately $25.00.
A records check revealed Aviles has prior convictions for petit theft in 2019 and 2025. Aviles reportedly refused to speak with investigators after being taken into custody.
He was formally charged and transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK). The charges are expected to include the theft in addition to any charges related to the false threat of an explosive device, which led to the store’s evacuation and the mobilization of emergency services.
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