Man Arrested in Post Office Bomb Threat

A man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly threatening to bomb the U.S. Post Office in Thornburg, Captain Jeff Pearce of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said.

According to a postal worker present, the man walked into the post office in the 5300 block of Mudd Tavern Road at about 9 a.m. as the only customer was leaving.

The postal worker told 911 dispatchers a man had placed a box on the counter, claiming that it was a bomb and he was there to rob the post office, Pearce said.

Upon arrival, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies took the man into custody and evacuated nearby businesses and residences for safety. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit from the Quantico Marine base and the Virginia State Police Bomb Squad responded to assist in the safe disposal of the suspected explosive device, which remained inside the post office.

"The bomb squad worked for several hours to safely investigate and dispose of the suspect package," Pearce said. The device was, in fact, a hoax device. It contained no explosives and was incapable of detonating. 

The suspect was turned over to USPS special agents pending federal charges and warrants. His name cannot be released until the complaint is filed before the federal magistrate, Pearce said.

Remember your phone call or Text-A-Tip can make a difference:

• 1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822
• www.spotsylvaniacrimesolvers.org
• Text a tip: Text SEE911 to CRIMES (274637)

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