We’re learning new details tonight about an incident in Caldwell that caused quite a panic.
Witnesses say they became scared when a man jumped on a bar and praised Allah.
Witnesses tell us they feared the man may have a gun or even a bomb, but police say there was no threat, he was just drunk.
The heart-pounding moments were caught on security cameras at a popular Caldwell restaurant. Police say 21-year-old Ralmanzow Bell of Caldwell stood up at the bar and praised Allah.
“I’m sure people felt there was a threat at the time. If I was in there eating with my family and something like that happened I would definitely feel threatened, but there is no threat to the community,” said Lt. Joey Houdley of the Caldwell Police Department.
Panic quickly set in, patrons rushed outside as the staff subdued Bell.
“I grab the backpack and then I run it as far as I can to the alley, and then everybody is telling me throw the bag, don’t carry it, but you know, I’m trying to get it as far away as I possibly can. You know, better me than a hundred people,” said bartender Christopher Ozuna.
Police arrived on scene within a minute and determined there was no real threat. There was no gun and the only thing in the backpack was a bottle of alcohol. Caldwell Police say Bell has an extensive history with police. Officers tell us he was so drunk he was taken to a hospital before he was booked.
“After he sobered up last night I think he kind of saw what his actions were and was kind of shocked by his own actions,” said Houdley
Police say Bell never made any specific threats and praising Allah is perfectly legal. He has been charged with disorderly conduct and trespassed from the restaurant. While police say there was no threat, they are forwarding the information to the FBI just to be safe.
