A Michigan City man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly sending a bomb threat notice by mail to the LaPorte County clerk’s office.
The employee received a letter addressed to the clerk’s office delivered by the United States Postal Service. When she opened the envelope, she found a powdery substance and a letter, according to a news release. She immediately took the envelope and the contents to the courthouse security office.
The letter stated that explosives were located in or near the courthouse, as noted in the press release. With that, the courthouse was evacuated and a request was made for the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, LaPorte County Hazardous Materials Team, Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County Emergency Management.
A test later found that the powdery substance inside the envelope was talcum powder and didn’t pose an immediate threat to the staff.
A bomb sniffing canine and the canine’s handler swept the interior and exterior of the building and no suspicious items or devices were found.
Once the sweep was complete, the employees were able to go back to their duties inside the courthouse and it was open again to the public.
Members of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were called to assist in the investigation. A person of interest was quickly identified.
Investigators from the Michigan City Fugitive Apprehension Street Team arrived at the home of Marcus A. Jones in the 600 block of North Ashland Avenue in Michigan City and took him into custody. He is currently being held in the LaPorte County Jail on charges of Terroristic Mischief, a Level 5 Felony and Intimidation, a Level 6 Felony. He is currently being held without bond.
The incident remains under investigation.
