Pair Arrested for Planting Explosive Device

Two men arrested for planting explosive device in Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE — Two Coachella Valley men have been arrested in connection with an explosion that occurred at 12:29 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2020 in the 70200 block of Highway 111, within the city of Rancho Mirage, according to Sergeant Steve Davis of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

At that time, it was learned someone placed an explosive device in a cement trash receptacle. The device exploded, causing a debris field which extended across the six lanes of Highway 111. There were no injuries.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Device Team (HDT) responded along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to conduct the investigation.

After further investigation, 49-year-old Jason Hershey, of Bermuda Dunes, and 58-year-old Michael Hardisty, of Cathedral City were identified as suspects.

On May 19, 2021, HDT with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Services Team (EST) arrested Hershey in the area of Washington Street and Country Club Drive, within the unincorporated area of Bermuda Dunes. Hardisty was arrested the same day by HDT in the area of Highway 111 and Palm Hills, within the city of Palm Springs.

Hardisty and Hershey are both being charged with exploding a destructive device with the intent to cause property damage and also felony vandalism.