VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach man who caused a call to the bomb squad Saturday after a crash made claims about a terrorist attack, and that he was involved with a terrorist group, according to the Vero Beach Police Department.
Jason Kozdra, 41, a man known for civil unrest, was involved in a car crash that closed down US 1 from 26th Street to 37th Street Saturday, according to authorities.
“Kodzra approached the first officer on scene waving his hands in the air and yelling he had a bomb in the car,” said Antonio Riccardi, an eye witness to the arrest.
Kozdra was yelling “There is a bomb in that car, it’s ticking and it will blow up any minute,” according to Officer John Morrison, Vero Beach Police. Kodra also claimed that this incident was a terrorist attack and he was a member of a terrorist group.
Kozdra continued to make claims that the vehicle contained a bomb, according to authorities. He also made statements indicating that several bombs would explode in local schools over the next 12 hours.
There have not been any reports of suspicious incidents or materials found at any of the local schools.
Vero Beach Det. Jason Jones reported that Kozdra stated that he did not plant any bombs in the schools, according to authorities.
The crash happened at 33rd Street and US 1, prompting a call to St. Lucie Bomb Squad after materials including gasoline tanks and car batteries were discovered, according to authorities.
Indian River County’s armored vehicle was also dispatched.
Kozdra made threats of blowing up schools and other buildings and killing officers, and that he had explosive devices in his vehicle, according to authorities on the scene.
The bomb squad determined there was no bomb in the car.
Kozdra faces felony charges of threatening to throw a destructive device, a false report of planting a bomb, and reckless driving. Bond has been set for $2,000,500.
The criminal investigation is ongoing and further criminal charges are pending against Kozdra, according to authorities.
Scott Boileau contributed to this article.
