$250,000 bail set in Liberty Bell bomb threat

CENTER CITY - January 28, 2013

The suspect is identified as 41-year-old Carlos J. Balsas of Tempe, Arizona.

Balsas is charged with Terroristic Threats, Bomb Threats, Possessing An Instrument of Crime, Recklessly Endangering Another Person and related offenses.

The D.A. said on Monday that Balsas' bail was set at $250,000 and a court appearance was scheduled for February 1st.

According to authorities, at approximately 10:05 a.m. Saturday, Balsas entered the Liberty Bell Center.

A security officer told him that he had to check his bags.

While security was searching the backpack, police say Balsas stated, "I have explosives in there."

He then left the scene.

The security personnel notified the U.S. Park Rangers of the incident and provided a physical description of Balsas.

Balsas was spotted and stopped by Park Rangers on Market Street.

Police say Balsas was uncooperative with the rangers.

After a brief struggle, the rangers were able to handcuff him and take him into custody.

Police shut down the 700 block of Market Street and the bomb squad was called in.

It was determined that the backpack was negative for explosives.

The street was reopened around 11:45 a.m.

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