Authorities have arrested a man who made a bomb threat on a plane en route to Roanoke, Virginia. The threat prompted the pilot to perform an emergency stop, and the FBI is now involved.
According to a news release by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the incident occurred on an Allegiant flight on June 6 at approximately 2:03 PM. The aircraft reportedly returned to St. Pete-Clearwater Airport in Florida at 2:08 PM. Authorities named the suspect as 27-year-old Taj Taylor. He allegedly told another passenger that his laptop was a bomb, a claim that was heard by multiple people on board. The passenger then notified the flight attendants.
PCSO says they searched Taylor’s belongings with a K9 unit, and no bombs were found. The news release concludes by explaining that the FBI has taken over the investigation. A Subject Charge Report reveals that authorities arrested Taylor on July 6 at 11:23 PM. He was subsequently released the following morning.
Law Enforcement Responded To A ‘Verbal Bomb Threat’
According to a report by USA Today, authorities said they responded to a verbal bomb threat. The outlet also reveals more details on what happened on the Allegiant aircraft. Taylor was reportedly sitting in the last row of Flight 1023. He allegedly told the passenger next to him, “My laptop is a bomb.” The passenger asked him to clarify what he meant, and Taylor reportedly lifted his laptop case, saying it was a bomb several times.
Allegiant Air released the following statement to the outlet: “Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind, so the decision was made to return to the airport. The plane landed safely and was met by law enforcement officers, who took the passenger into custody.” Allegiant apologized to affected fliers and thanked them for their patience. “As a gesture of goodwill, we will be issuing $100 vouchers to each itinerary, to be used for future travel,” the company said.
Authorities are reportedly charging Taylor with making a false bomb threat. USA Today explains the charge carries a $25,000 fine, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.