A joke took a serious turn for a woman from the Dominican Republic who was arrested at Miami International Airport this past Sunday after she claimed to have a bomb in her bag, according to officials.
Carmen Rosa Solís Leroux, a 55-year-old swimming instructor from Santo Domingo, was waiting in line at MIA on Sunday evening when an airport employee asked her to consolidate her three bags. She refused, allegedly stating that one of the bags contained a bomb, as reported by the employee to the police in the arrest report.
An officer then removed Solís Leroux from the line for questioning. Her defense? "I was just joking," she told authorities. Despite her claims, K-9 units were dispatched to search the area and her luggage, but no explosives were found.
Solís Leroux was taken into custody around 7:30 p.m. in Terminal D for making a false report, and she was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The Dominican national is now facing charges of making a false report concerning the planting of a bomb, explosive, weapon of mass destruction, or violent use of firearms, a second-degree felony, as reported by Local 10 News.
Earlier incidents in Miami have highlighted the seriousness with which authorities treat such threats. In January, an abandoned backpack in a busy area of Brickell sparked a bomb threat alert, causing a police mobilization and concern among pedestrians. Bomb squad experts examined the suspicious bag and found it harmless. Three individuals were detained during the police operation.
Similarly, a false bomb threat led to a precautionary lockdown and significant police presence at Hialeah Senior High School in Hialeah early last December.
Understanding False Bomb Threats and Legal Consequences
What are the legal implications of making a false bomb threat?
Making a false bomb threat is considered a serious offense and can result in felony charges, significant fines, and potential jail time, depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case.
How do authorities respond to bomb threats at airports?
Authorities typically deploy specialized units, such as K-9 teams and bomb squads, to thoroughly search and secure the area. The primary concern is ensuring public safety, and any threat is treated with utmost seriousness until deemed non-credible.