Couple Arrested in Bomb Threat at Downtown Cafe
A young man and woman took over a downtown Los Angeles fast-food restaurant Monday night, claiming to have a box of nitroglycerin and demanding to speak to the news media about the plight of the hungry and homeless.
The couple, who told police they recently arrived here from New York, were persuaded to emerge at 8:05 p.m., about an hour after they entered McDonald’s at 330 S. Broadway. They were arrested without a struggle and were led away in handcuffs.
Police Capt. Rick Batson said the suspects, who were not immediately identified, carried “an item” into the restaurant that “we don’t think is a bomb.” Nevertheless, the bomb squad was called to examine it.
Police evacuated the Million Dollar Theatre and other establishments on Broadway between 3rd and 4th streets as Special Weapons and Tactics officers prepared for an assault that became unnecessary when the couple surrendered peaceably.
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