MONTEREY, CA — A Marina resident has been arrested following a bomb threat directed at the West Coast Community Bank on Monday, April 13, 2026. Monterey Police Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Bonifacio at approximately 2:25 p.m. after an anonymous caller reported a threat to the facility.
In coordination with bank management, authorities evacuated the building and surrounding businesses. A safety perimeter was established, resulting in road closures across Bonifacio Plaza, Washington Street, and Adams Street. A specialized Explosive Detector K-9 Team from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sweep of the premises but found no suspicious items. Employees returned to the area by 4:45 p.m.
Following an investigation, detectives identified Lorena Balestreri, 50, as the suspect. She was arrested at her residence and booked into the Monterey City Jail on suspicion of making a false bomb threat and criminal threats. Balestreri was later released after posting $30,000 bail.
