LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man was arrested for allegedly placing a "hoax explosive device" at a bus stop in downtown Louisville, closing the area for several hours in August.
Louisville Metro Police found "seven white cylinders with tubes, wiring and a circuit board attached," on the morning of Aug. 12 at the intersection of 5th and Jefferson streets.
Several streets were blocked in downtown Louisville as a result of the investigation, and TARC bus routes were suspended for seven hours that day. A shelter in place order was also issued by LMPD for those in businesses that were nearby the device.
The device that was found was taken to a different location for further analysis, and LMPD said the Bomb Squad "determined the bomb was not an explosive."
According to an arrest citation, LMPD, the SWAT team, Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation used surveillance video of the suspect to eventually locate him at an apartment complex on Dixie Highway. Jimmy Smith Jr., 49, was arrested Friday and charged with terroristic threatening. He was also arrested for non-compliance with the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry.
The FBI linked forensic evidence to Smith, who police said also admitted his connection to the "explosive device."
"Hoax devices are not a joke," FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen said. "They take law enforcement's precious time and resources away from our community."
LMPD Chief Erika Shields said she appreciated the "swift apprehension."
"I appreciate the swift and diligent work on this joint investigation which culminated in the safe apprehension of this suspect," she said. "Threats to public safety are intolerable and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Smith pleaded guilty to an escape charge in 2019 when police said he walked away from a work detail while in custody. He has also been convicted of drug possession, identity theft and burglary.
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