SC Man Charged with Threatening Blow Up W. Iowa Motel

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Oct 19, 2009 at 9:49 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 19, 2009 at 9:49 AM CST

ATLANTIC (AP) - A South Carolina man faces charges after officials say he threatened to blow up a western Iowa motel.

Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren says about 50 people were evacuated from the American Best Value Inn in Atlantic early Saturday after a man told the front desk he was going to blow up the motel.

McLaren says James Allen, 21, is charged with threat of terrorism, threat of arson, threat of explosive device, harassment and public intoxication.

The sheriff didn't immediately know Allen's hometown.

McLaren says Allen, who made some suicidal threats, never checked into the motel. Authorities used a robot to search his car in the parking lot, and no explosives were found.
The sheriff says Allen posted bail and was released Monday from the Cass County jail.

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