FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Authorities arrested a Chicago woman accused of making a false bomb threat Monday at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after learning that she had arrived too late to board her flight, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Threat Management Unit responded around 8:45 p.m. Monday to a reported bomb threat in Terminal 3 at the airport, officials said. Employees told detectives that Marina Verbitsky, 46, claimed to have a bomb in luggage that had been checked on board a plane.
“Preliminary investigation revealed Verbitsky made the statement after being advised that she and her party could not board the plane due to their late arrival at the gate,” deputies said. “Verbitsky was immediately taken into custody.”
Officials notified the FBI and rerouted the plane that Verbitsky’s luggage had been checked on, which was already taxiing along the runway. After passengers were evacuated, a search found the threat to be unfounded, investigators said.
Authorities charged Verbitsky with one count of false reporting concerning planting a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction.
Officials continue to investigate.