Jonathan James Elder, a 35-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint for allegedly making a telephone threat against MacDill Air Force Base, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced on Mar. 26.
The case highlights concerns about threats to military facilities and the safety measures that follow such incidents.
According to the complaint, Elder called MacDill Air Force Base on March 18 after a suspicious package had been found at the base’s Visitor Control Center earlier in the week. During the call, Elder reportedly said, “How did you like the surprise at the MacDill Visitor Center?” and then yelled “tick tick boom, it’s gonna be between your eyes,” before hanging up. This prompted authorities to close all gates at MacDill and order personnel to shelter in place for approximately four hours.
Investigators say that just prior to this call, Elder phoned another number not affiliated with MacDill and made additional threatening statements referencing pipe bombs and medication issues.
Elder was later located in St. Petersburg by law enforcement agents from several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Petersburg Police Department. He remains in federal custody pending further proceedings.
Kehoe said that “a criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.” Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan will prosecute the case.
