The North Platte Police Department responded to a reported bomb threat at a Verizon Wireless store on South Dewey Street Monday afternoon.
Officers were called to the business at approximately 2:42 p.m. August 31 after a man reportedly entered the store, placed a box on a table and stated that it was a bomb. The man then looked at a customer before leaving the store.
Employees and customers were evacuated as officers secured the scene and requested assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad.
During the investigation, officers identified and located the suspect later that day.
Michael Harkreader, 68, was taken into custody and arrested on charges of Terroristic Threats, in violation of Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-311.01, and Threaten Explosive Use / Place False Bomb, in violation of Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-1221.
The Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad examined the device and determined it contained old computer equipment, wires and a router.
The case remains within the judicial process. Harkreader is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.