Man Charged With Leaving Explosive Bag In U Of M Building
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We now know a bag packed with gasoline-soaked rags and smoke flares prompted Monday's lockdown on the University of Minnesota campus.
Prosecutors charged 35-year-old Jason Johnson with possession of an incendiary device and terroristic threats.
Investigators say he placed the bag full of potentially flammable materials inside Coffman Union Monday afternoon.
Police say Johnson is a former student at the University of Minnesota.
They said it was Johnson who placed a bag that smelled like gasoline near a fireplace and a lounge chair inside Coffman Union.
An employee discovered the bag, brought it outside and called police.
"Inside the package we found 14 commercial-size smoke flares," U of M Police Chief Matt Clark said. "They were bound together, they all had fuses inserted in them and they were wrapped in a number of towels that had an accelerant similar to gas."
Investigators also found a lighter and a pair of gloves inside the bag.
Police used surveillance video to determine who exactly they were looking for.
"Review of that footage gave us the image of a suspect leaving that bag next to the lounge chair and fireplace," Clark said. "We also saw that suspect change clothes numerous times throughout a four-hour period."
After working with the FBI and ATF, University Police decided to lock down Coffman Union.
The building, adjacent sidewalks and a parking garage were all searched.
Investigators contacted Johnson's family, and Johnson himself eventually called police.
"We were able to contact the suspect, who refused to surrender," Clark said. "They were able to find him at a local motel in a suburb and arrest him."
Johnson has previous convictions of felony damage to property, burglary and robbery.
Now Johnson has other felony charges to add to the list.
"Johnson was charged with felony possession of an incendiary or explosive device with intent to cause damage or injury and felony terroristic threats," Hennepin County Chief Deputy David Brown said.
Investigators say Johnson appeared to be suicidal.
He is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Police would not talk about motive but did say the campus is safe.
Clark said the statewide camera system is monitored 24 hours a day and not only protects students, but also leads police to people who should not be there.
If convicted, Johnson faces up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.