Austin’s Fox 7 news station experienced a scare on Saturday when a man was reported for making a bomb threat as he exited the building. Authorities quickly launched a search of the station, which is situated on East 10th Street, after the threat placed the entire staff in fear for their safety, according to an arrest affidavit.
Fortunately, no explosives were discovered inside the station. However, soon after making the alarming proclamation, Jahred Stephen Bruno found himself in legal trouble. The police affidavit explains that Bruno led officers on a pursuit through South Austin before being apprehended later that day. He now faces charges for making a terroristic threat aimed at compromising public service operations, as well as for evading arrest, both of which are considered third-degree felonies.
Jail records indicate that Bruno’s bond has been set at $20,000 total, and should he be convicted, he could be facing up to 10 years in prison for each charge.
The situation began when a 911 caller reported that Bruno, who was spotted with a fake snake slung around his shoulders, had claimed to have placed a bomb inside the station while his exit. He then reportedly entered a vehicle and fled the scene, prompting the witness to provide police with his license plate number.
As officers conducted their search of the station, they received tips leading them to find Bruno on South Congress Avenue. Upon seeing the police vehicle, Bruno allegedly increased his speed, initiating a police chase. It wasn’t until a trooper from the Texas Department of Public Safety performed a PIT maneuver that Bruno’s car was halted, leading to his arrest.
