Woman Threatens to Blow Up Wellington Town Hall Over Water Bill Dispute
A Royal Palm Beach woman faces a felony charge after allegedly threatening to bomb Wellington Town Hall during a row over unpaid utility bills and reconnection fees.
Royal Palm Beach Woman Charged After Bomb Threat at Wellington Town Hall
A 50-year-old Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested Tuesday after she allegedly threatened to blow up Wellington Town Hall while arguing with staff over an outstanding water bill, cbs12.com reports.
Tamar Janel King faces a felony charge of threatening to discharge a destructive device, according to an arrest affidavit filed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO).
The incident took place on 14 July at Wellington Town Hall, 12300 Forest Hill Blvd. Deputies responded at approximately 10:04 a.m. following reports of a bomb threat at the facility.
According to the probable cause affidavit, King became agitated while discussing a utility account that had been disconnected for nonpayment. She was specifically disputing the amount required to restore service, including a reconnection fee.
A front desk employee told deputies that King entered the building, bypassed the customer service kiosk, and began shouting profanities at utility staff before making the threat as she left the premises. A second employee said King repeatedly pointed a finger at her during the confrontation and snatched paperwork from her hand, though no further physical contact was made.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed a woman identified as King entering Town Hall shortly after 8:10 a.m. and leaving approximately ten minutes later. A photo lineup was subsequently conducted, during which a witness identified King, according to the affidavit.
In a post-Miranda interview, King acknowledged losing her temper over the billing dispute and admitted to using profanity. When asked directly about the alleged threat, she told investigators, "Well, I didn't mean it," adding that she did not possess a weapon or any means of carrying out such an action.
PBSO determined there was probable cause to charge King under Florida Statute 790.162, which prohibits threats to throw, place, project or discharge a destructive device.
King was booked into Palm Beach County Jail Tuesday afternoon.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)