HUMAN-SKIN TEDDY BEAR SCARE: SoCal Gas Station Shut Down over Grisly “Remains”

UPDATE: Man arrested after macabre ‘human skin teddy bear’ left outside Victorville business, deputies say.

REPORT: San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies were called after someone reported finding an object that appeared to be covered in human remains.

Deputies in Victorville raced to an ARCO on Bear Valley Road after a passer-by spotted a teddy bear that looked sewn from human flesh—only to learn the macabre toy is likely a horror-prop art piece.

A midday call about possible human remains sent San Bernardino County deputies and a coroner’s team swarming the convenience-store lot Sunday. Lying near the pumps: a child-size teddy bear with leathery “skin,” stitched lips and hollow eye sockets. Investigators taped off the area, photographed the scene and carted the bear away for forensic testing.

Artist Steps Forward

Hours later, a South Carolina special-effects creator from Dark Seed Creations posted online that the bear is his work—cast in latex, not flesh—and was shipped to a Victorville customer days earlier. He says the buyer’s intent is unknown but calls the gas-station drop-off “an attention-grabbing prank.” Authorities have not yet confirmed the claim and say the probe remains open.

Key Details

• Discovery time & place: ~12:30 p.m. Sunday at gas station.
• Initial response: Deputies reportedly locked down the lot; coroner collected the bear for analysis.
• Object description: Medium teddy bear, leathery texture with facial features resembling human skin; appears hand-stitched.
• Possible origin: Horror-prop artist said to have stated it’s a latex “human skin teddy” retailing for about $165 and shipped to Victorville last week.
• Investigation status: Sheriff’s detectives reviewing store cameras, interviewing witnesses; no criminal charges announced.

Public Reaction & Safety Tips

• Don’t handle suspicious items: Call 911 and keep a safe distance.
• Record details: Snap photos/video from afar to aid investigators.
• Check context: Real remains have odor, fluids and insect activity—props usually do not.
• Verify news: Wait for official updates before sharing graphic images online.

For More Information

• ABC 7 Los Angeles: Full report & raw scene video — Watch here
• KTLA 5: Artist claims responsibility, calls bear a latex prop — Read article
• Portland Press Herald / AP Wire: Details on investigation and public concern — Read article

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