Suspect in custody after suspicious packages found, part of Loop 820 shut down in Lake Worth
LAKE WORTH – A suspect is in custody following a series of events involving threats and suspicious packages that led to the evacuation of a Walmart store and the closure of a portion of northwest Loop 820.
Charges against the suspect – Donald Mark Scott, 43 – weren't immediately known.
Lake Worth Police Chief JT Manoushagian praised the handling of the situation.
"All things considered, this incident was handled nearly perfectly," Manoushagian said.
Scott's probation officer alerted police after receiving an alarming message.
"I've had this plan since 2007," the message said. "I have things stashed everywhere. I've been here over 24 hours … When I say planned, I mean everything. Even going to prison for bank robbery."
Officers evacuated the Walmart at 6360 Lake Worth Boulevard after reports of a suspect potentially armed with explosives. Police tracked the suspect using their phone signal.
During the pursuit, officers discovered a suspicious bag near Richie Brothers Auctioneers, a construction equipment supplier located at the corner of Loop 820 and Azle Avenue. The bomb squad was called in, and a safe perimeter was established.
A second suspicious device was found in the 3900 block of Boat Club Road, also near Richie Brothers Auctioneers. Initial assessments indicated "explosive contents" within the bags, which turned out to be cooking containers and camping equipment. No actual explosives were present.
The suspect, described as homeless and residing in a wooded area, remains in custody. Investigators are working to determine his motives.
