Hoax bomb update
Two Charged For Hoax Bomb
On Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 10:10 a.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a suspicious package. The incident occurred at the Lee County Fleet Management facility, 2955 Van Buren Street in Fort Myers. Deputies responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, a briefcase was observed leaning against a light pole directly between two gas pumps. After speaking with the Fleet Shop Superintendant, and in light of the increased security concerns of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, the facility and surrounding area was evacuated. The Southwest Florida Regional Bomb Squad responded to investigate further. After several hours it was determined the briefcase did not contain, explosive, biological or chemical components.
Due to the nature of the incident, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation. It was revealed two men, including the superintendant originally contacted at the scene, were responsible for placing the briefcase at the pump as a prank. Both had opportunity to dispel fears of public safety responders the object was not a threat, but failed to do so. One of the senior government employees threatened staff with disciplinary measures if they reported their involvement in the incident to authorities. The two are identified and charged as follows.
1) Randall Clayton Feinstein, age 61 (d-o-b 7/27/50), of 446 S.W. 6th Street, Cape Coral, FL (Supervisor)
Planting a Hoax Bomb, 1 count, F.S. 790.165(2)
Obstruction of Justice – Tampering, 1 count, F.S. 914.22(1)
2) William L. Prussman, age 64 (d-o-b 11/17/46), of 242 S.W. 39th Street, Cape Coral, FL (Superintendent)
Planting a Hoax Bomb, 1 count, F.S. 790.165(2)