A latex horror prop prompts a county-wide emergency response
Victorville, California (High Desert News Online) – A bizarre skin bear scare unfolded July 13 when deputies rushed to the AMPM convenience store on Bear Valley Road after reports of what appeared to be a teddy bear covered in human skin. The startling prop turned out to be a lifelike latex creation, but not before the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and coroner’s investigators were called to the scene to verify its authenticity.
Skin Bear Scare Prompts Swift Police Action
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded around 12:07 p.m. Sunday, July 13, to the AMPM convenience store at the 13600 block of Bear Valley Road after multiple callers reported what looked like human remains wrapped around a small teddy bear. On arrival, officers cordoned off the area and summoned the coroner’s office to determine whether the material was genuine skin.
After careful examination, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office confirmed the object was made of latex, not human tissue, and posed no health risk to the public. “Incidents such as this take up valuable emergency resources and put the public at risk, possibly delaying response time to legitimate calls for service,” the department noted in a statement.
Despite its harmless nature, the prop’s hyper-realistic appearance underscores the challenge faced by first responders when assessing potential threats. The scare prompted four patrol units to remain onsite for nearly two hours, drawing a crowd of bystanders and sparking concern across neighboring communities, including Hesperia.
Artist Provides Context for Macabre Prop
South Carolina special effects artist Robert Kelly, owner of Dark Seed Creations, confirmed he crafts latex horror items and recently sold one of his skin-like teddy bears to a Victorville customer. Kelly, who markets his work through an Etsy shop, said the bear retails for $165 and typically finds homes with haunted-house operators and private collectors.
“I guess I’d probably be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying it a little bit. You know, I’m an independent artist, so I know what starving artist life feels like,” Kelly told ABC7 News. “A little attention is sometimes good regardless, though I can’t condone whatever motives were behind this prank.”
Kelly emphasized he had no knowledge of the prank or the person’s intent. In a July 14 Facebook post, he noted that his studio shipped the bear to a customer in Victorville just days before the scare and clarified that he did not participate in any hoax.
Charges Filed Against Suspected Prankster
On Monday, July 14, authorities announced the arrest of 23-year-old Victorville resident Hector Corona Villanueva. He was booked for causing a false report of an emergency and intentionally planting evidence to falsely present as real under California Penal Code 148.3(a).
Villanueva faces misdemeanor charges for tying up emergency resources and misleading law enforcement. Booking records indicate he remained in custody pending arraignment, where bail was set at $10,000. If convicted, he could face up to one year in county jail.
Sheriff’s officials thanked members of the public who provided tips leading to Villanueva’s identification. “We appreciate the community’s assistance in this investigation,” the department said, urging citizens to report suspicious activity promptly.
Safety Concerns Raised by Local Officials
Local leaders stressed the importance of distinguishing real emergencies from pranks. Councilmember noted that false alarms divert critical services away from genuine crises. “When our deputies and paramedics are tied up on a hoax, it could mean the difference between life and death elsewhere.”
Others echoed those remarks, pointing to increasing call volumes during the summer months. “Our crews work tirelessly to protect residents from wildfires, traffic accidents, and medical emergencies. Pranks like this only hinder our ability to serve.”
Both urged retailers and event organizers to vet props that could alarm passersby, suggesting clearer labeling and packaging when shipping realistic-looking items.
Community Reaction in the High Desert
Residents in Victorville expressed a mix of relief and lingering unease following news of the skin bear prank. “I was driving by and saw the tape—my heart sank thinking it was a real body.” said local Maria Delgado. “Knowing it was just a toy helps, but it still feels creepy.”
Others saw a silver lining. “If this gets people talking about emergency preparedness, maybe that’s not so bad,” remarked small-business owner Paul Nguyen. “At least now folks know our deputies respond quickly.”
Social media buzz in the High Desert spiked after the incident, with residents sharing the bear’s image and debating the boundaries of practical jokes. Some called for stiffer penalties for false emergencies, while others defended creative expression.
