The following press release was sent to the media by the Bloomington Police Department Tuesday:
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
________________________________________________________________
August 30, 2022
For more information, please contact:
Captain Ryan Pedigo
Bloomington Police Department
(812)349-3324
Bloomington Police Arrest Bomb Threat Suspect
On August 29th at approximately 7:20 p.m., officers with the Bloomington Police Department responded to Target in the 2900 block of E Third Street in reference to a bomb threat. Upon the arrival of officers, a man matching the description of the suspect was located near the front of the store and was detained. He was eventually identified as Rama Asuri (41, Bloomington). Officers assisted Target employees with evacuating the store, as multiple customers reported that the suspect had told them that there was a bomb inside his backpack.
Officers then began checking the business and located two unattended shopping carts containing backpacks inside the store. At that point, the entire College Mall was evacuated to ensure the safety of all employees and visitors. Members from the Indiana State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team were requested and responded to Target to assist with the investigation. ISP EOD members determined that the two backpacks did not contain explosives and the scene was deemed safe at approximately 10:20 p.m.
Rama Asuri was transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital, then to the Monroe County Jail where he was remanded to jail custody for the following charges:
- Terroristic Mischief, level 5 felony
- Intimidation, level 5 felony
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Under Indiana law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Attached is a booking photo of Rama Asuri courtesy of the Monroe County Jail.”
