On November 18th, 2010 at 3:12 PM, Dubuque Police & Fire Departments responded to a bomb threat at City Hall, 50 W. 13th Street.
The investigation revealed that an individual, later identified as Langsy (NMN) Souttathamma 10/12/42 (no permanent address), placed two suitcases near City Hall on the east side of the building. As pedestrians approached, Souttathamma allegedly told them to stay away from the suitcases because they contained explosives. The pedestrians promptly reported the incident and Souttathamma was taken into custody in the area shortly thereafter. City Hall and the surrounding buildings were evacuated and the Quad City Bomb Squad was summoned to the scene. The suitcases were ultimately cleared and no explosives were located. Souttathamma remains in the custody of the Dubuque County Jail on a charge of False Report, a Class D Felony (punishable by up to 5 years incarceration and/or a fine of $750-$7500). He is being held on a $5000 cash bond.
The Dubuque Police Department is appreciative of the complainants who notified dispatch of this incident and the Quad City Bomb Squad for their prompt and professional response.
As with any criminal case, the charges filed are allegations and any suspect(s) charged are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.
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