Friday, November 8, 2024

Lake Worth man arrested for bomb threat

Posted

LAKE WORTH —A man suspected in a Lake Worth bomb threat was taken into custody just hours after the evacuation of a local Walmart and the brief closure of NW Loop 820 July 25.

According to a news conference with Lake Worth Police Department Chief of Police JT Manoushagian, Donald Mark Scott, age 43, is currently under investigation after he was reported to be in the area with armed explosives. Police tracked the suspect using his phone signal to the Lake Worth Walmart Supercenter after he sent a presumed bomb threat to his probation officer.

"I've had this plan since 2007," the message said. "I have things stashed everywhere. I've been here over 24 hours. Cops play with my word … When I say planned, I mean everything. Even going to prison for bank robbery."

During a manhunt in the area, officers discovered a suspicious bag at the nearby Richie Brothers Auctioneers and another in the 3900 block of Boat Club Road. The Fort Worth Fire Department’s arson and bomb squad was called in and a safe perimeter was established. Initial concerns about possible explosive contents in the bags were proven unfounded after investigators instead discovered pressure cookers, electric wires and other miscellaneous cooking and camping equipment.

Manoushagian praised the handling of the situation.

"All things considered, this incident was handled nearly perfectly," Manoushagian said.

The suspect, described as homeless and residing in a wooded area, remains in custody. Scott has a long criminal history in the Lake Worth area and beyond.

In 2008, Scott was arrested along with Thomas Leon Jochum Jr. after the two allegedly robbed several banks in Saginaw and Blue Mound with a pellet gun. After stealing $10,000, the pair used the money to bail their friend, Kenyon Grady Cox, out of jail. The trio met in the Tarrant County Jail in 2007 after each was arrested on child sex charges. After Cox removed a monitoring device from his ankle and a warrant was issued for his arrest, all three were apprehended together at a Parker County pawn shop three days later.