Incendiary Device Set Off At Milpitas Walmart: Arrest

MILPITAS, CA — Milpitas Police have arrested a Fremont woman on suspicion of setting off an incendiary device inside a Walmart store last August. Kali Lynn Farrell was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of arson, possession of an incendiary device, and a prior $10,000 arrest warrant for a narcotics violation.

There were no injuries reported when the device was set was set off at 4:30 p.m. last Aug. 9. Milpitas Police Sgt. Steve Parodi said in a press release, "The device was wrapped in plastic with black electrical tape and it had an exposed orange detonation cord. Based on the suspicious device, Walmart management and the Police Department, in an abundance of caution, agreed to evacuate the store and have the device examined."

The San Jose Police Department’s Bomb Squad and an Explosives Ordnance Detection Canine Team from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded to the store and rendered the device and scene safe. The device contained smoke balls and a wireless detonation system.

An intensive investigation was launched and physical evidence at the scene was linked to Kali Lynn Farrell. Milpitas Police Department Detectives arrested her at her home in Fremont on Sept. 25. Her arrest was not announced because investigators wanted to make sure there weren't other suspects or "planned events."

"At the conclusion of this lengthy investigation," said Parodi, "detectives have determined there are no outstanding suspects and no further threats to the community. Based on our investigation, detectives believed the incendiary device was placed inside the Walmart as a trial run for a distraction method for a future theft."

If you have any information about Farrell or this case, call the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at 408-586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department Website.

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