Sheriff identifies suspect behind city government center bomb threats

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has identified the man suspected of calling in bomb threats to a construction site near the city government center Thursday.

On Thursday, Sept. 4, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office received a bomb threat by an unknown male. The MCSO’s Uniform Patrol Bureau, Special Operations Bureau, Park Patrol, HEAT Unit, Columbus Police Department, Phenix City Police Department, and ATF Task Force Operators/K9’s, all responded to the scene.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect in custody following bomb threat reported at construction site near Columbus Government Center

Sheriff Greg Countryman says the suspect, 34-year-old Christian Cruz-Benitez, was immediately located and arrested.

According to the sheriff, Cruz-Benitez had been released earlier that day from the Muscogee County Jail because of a previous bomb threat. Cruz-Benitez was charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and acts and was transported to the Muscogee County Jail.