During the arrest, the man told police he had swallowed an explosive device, and that there was another one in his car. Both statements proved to be unfounded, and no explosive items or devices were located, according to police.

San Jose police entered the downtown apartment and found the victim’s body in a bathtub. He had been stabbed and had a rope around his torso.

The San Jose police investigation, dubbed Operation Flat Tire, was launched six months ago after the burglary prevention unit noticed an increase in thefts of expensive bikes and construction equipment, especially in the downtown area.