PORTLAND — A bomb threat shut down the Portland Transportation Center for four hours Tuesday morning, forcing bus cancellations and making an already busy holiday travel period more hectic.

No bomb was found at the bus and train station, but a man was arrested and charged with terrorizing, false public alarm and refusing to submit to arrest. He was identified as Rodney Jewell, 44, of Portland.

Police Chief Michael Sauschuck said ticket agents at Concord Coach Lines called police to report that a man had approached the counter, at roughly 6:30 a.m., and said he had two bombs in his backpack. He then went into the bathroom. Staff evacuated the building at 100 Thompson’s Point Road and called police.

Police arrived to find Jewell walking in the building, and persuaded him to come outside and place the backpack down in the parking lot. He did so, but then refused to follow police commands and was subdued by officers.

The backpack contained “household items,” the chief said.

Police said no motive has been established for Jewell’s behavior, which disrupted operations at the transportation center. The threat complicated bus and Amtrak train service during the busy New Year’s Day travel period.

Concord Coach Lines cancelled three morning bus runs southbound but then resumed its normal schedule after police  searched the building.

Staff Writer Scott Dolan contributed to this story.

Staff Writer Tux Turkel can be contacted at 791-6462 or at:
tturkel@pressherald.com


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