Woman Running Late for Flight at Florida Airport Arrested for Bomb Threat, Police Say

Sept. 8, 2021

A Chicago woman was arrested Monday night after telling airport employees that her luggage on the plane had a bomb in it, according to Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Marina Verbitsky, 46, of Chicago, a man and a minor with her were running late for their flight from Terminal 3 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Three airport employees told the group they could not board the plane because they were late.

Verbitsky then claimed there was a bomb in her checked bag, deputies said. She was arrested.

The plane, already taxiing on the runway about 8:45 p.m., was evacuated, and Sheriff’s Office detectives and FBI agents found no threat, the Sheriff’s Office said. The flight was delayed until 2 a.m.

Verbitsky faces one count of false reporting concerning planting a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction and is being held in Broward Main Jail pending bond. The man and minor with Verbitsky were not taken into custody, the Sheriff’s Office said.

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