Prosecutors: 73-Year-Old Man Makes False Bomb Threat On Metra Train
CHICAGO (STMW) - A 73-year-old man who claimed to have a "10 megaton bomb" on a Metra train was ordered held on a $50,000 bond on Saturday.
King E. Griffin, a military veteran, allegedly told up to 50 passengers on Rock Island train during Friday afternoon rush hour that he had a bomb in his backpack, county prosecutors claim.
"Nobody touch my bag, I have a 10 megaton bomb in my bag," Griffin allegedly said as he walked away from his backpack and into a train-car restroom, according to a police report.
Two passengers told a train conductor about Griffin's alleged bomb threat, a police report said, and the conductor told police to meet the train at the 35th Street station.
Arriving officers allegedly found Griffin standing on the station platform with his backpack, the police report said.
"It is all a joke," Griffin allegedly told officers at the station. "I told everyone I have a 10 megaton bomb in my backpack."
Despite Griffin's comments, officers requested a bomb-sniffing dog, who did not detect any explosives, the police report said.
Standing before Cook County Circuit Court Associate Judge Donald D. Panarese on Saturday, prosecutors said Griffin was a military veteran with four previous felony convictions.
"You're 73?" Panarese asked.
Griffin said "yes" but did not make any further comments.
Griffin, who faces a felony count of disorderly conduct for making a false bomb threat, is scheduled to appear back in court on August 17.
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