Suspect in Custody

A suspect who Perry County Officials believe called in a bomb threat to the courthouse Wednesday is in custody. 

The Sheriff’s Office said an investigation led detectives to an address in New Lexington where they arrested a 26-year-old male. He’s being held in the Southeast Regional Jail on felony charges of inducing panic. His name is being withheld pending formal charges. 

The incident began Wednesday around noon when the Perry County Sheriff’s Office reported that the courthouse was evacuated when they received a call from an anonymous male who reported there was a bomb in the building.

The courthouse was evacuated by law enforcement and court security personnel. The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office responded with a bomb detection K-9 and the State Highway Patrol, Columbus Fire Department and the United State Marshall Service were also on hand. 

After a search of nothing was located and the courthouse reopened around 2pm.

 This is the second bomb threat at the courthouse this year. The first took place in February. The Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged 29-year-old Gregory Allan Goodin in that case.