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SALT LAKE CITY -- Multiple bomb threats called into 911 Tuesday Night put Salt Lake City police officers on high alert. Police have arrested the man responsible for making the threats about a block from Trolley Square.
Lonnie Thompson,36, claimed the bombs were located in Trolley Square and the Salt Lake City Police Department. Police said a bomb threat is not something to be taken lightly.
"A bomb threat is a bomb threat. It doesn't matter if it's at the corner bakery or Trolley Square, we treat all of them exactly the same," said police officer Josh Ashdown. "There is no room to second guess whether it's real or not."
A bomb threat is a bomb threat. It doesn't matter if it's at the corner bakery or Trolley Square, we treat all of them exactly the same.
–Officer Josh Ashdown, SLCPD
So, when Thompson called several into 911 Tuesday night, the response was quick.
The first was called in from a Smith's on 500 East and 400 South. Thompson told 911 dispatcher the bombs were at Trolley Square. According to jail documents, he then left the line open and went to a TRAX station a block east and called 911 again, this time claiming a bomb was at the Salt Lake City police station.
Minutes later, police found Thompson near the TRAX station wearing a security guard uniform.
"He had a duty belt and a shirt that said security, but he doesn't work for a security company from what I understand," Ashdown said.
According to jail documents, Thompson admitted to making the prank calls, saying "he did it because it was a rush." He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of making a false alarm regarding a weapon of mass destruction.
"He could face prison time, he could face parole, he could face probation depending on what happens in the court system," Ashdown said.
Thompson was booked on two class B misdemeanors and then released from jail this morning. Salt Lake City police said those may change to second degree felonies before he makes his first appearance in court.
