Second Bomb Hoax in Two Weeks: Marietta Police Investigation
MARIETTA, Ga. — For the second time in two weeks, Marietta police were forced to respond to a bomb threat that triggered evacuations, road closures, and a large-scale emergency response — only for investigators to determine that the call was another hoax.
Wednesday’s Threat Targets Local Gym
Police say the most recent incident happened Wednesday morning, when a 911 caller claimed explosives had been placed outside Lovely Bodies Gym on West Atlanta Street and demanded $50,000.
Officers quickly evacuated the building, shut down the surrounding roads, and called in the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad to sweep the area.
No explosives were found after a thorough search of the parking lot, vehicles, and gym interior. “I heard sirens and then I saw multiple cop cars,” said Nyjua Mallett, an employee at the gym. “They searched the whole parking lot, the cars around the building, inside.”
Earlier Hoax at Nearby Pub
Two weeks earlier, on September 26, Marietta police dealt with a nearly identical scare after a caller threatened to detonate a bomb at Johnnie MacCracken’s Pub on Atlanta Street just before midnight.
Authorities evacuated the pub, blocked nearby roads, and called in multiple fire trucks and police units as a precaution. “Four fire trucks, 20 police cars — roads were blocked off in every direction,” said Gary Leake, the pub’s owner.
The night ended without incident, but Leake said his employees lost money after being forced to close early. “They took a hit on their tips,” he said.
Suspect Charged in First Incident
Investigators later arrested 29-year-old James Lusk of Marietta in connection with the September 26 hoax. Police said Lusk had been kicked out of the pub earlier that night after starting an altercation. He was charged with simple battery, false public harm, and false report of a crime.
Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy said both incidents wasted public resources and created unnecessary panic. “This is no laughing matter, and the people making these hoax calls will be held accountable,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are still trying to identify the person behind this week’s bomb threat. Anyone with information is asked to contact Marietta Police or submit a tip anonymously through the MPD app or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to stay alert and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for updates on this ongoing investigation.
