RI Man Accused Of Making False Bomb Threat At Florida Airport

WESTERLY, RI — A Rhode Island man was arrested Sunday, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, after falsely claiming to have a bomb in his bag, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Tyler Baeder, 27, of Westerly, was charged with false reporting concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction and resisting an officer without violence.

The incident happened just before 5:30 p.m. According to authorities, Baeder told an airport employee, "Call the cops, I have a bomb in my bag."

Authorities said Baeder made the bomb threat after having trouble using a kiosk to check in to his flight. The employee immediately notified the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who called deputies with the county sheriff's office.

Deputies immediately took Baeder in custody and evacuated the upper level of the terminal. Authorities said bomb squad and threat management detectives inspected Baeder's belongings, and deemed the threat unfounded.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.