Man accused of threating Lake City banks

Man charged with threat to bomb

Columbia County Sheriff's Office booking photo ofChristopher Charles Ruzzo

LAKE CITY, Fla. – A disgruntled employee has been arrested for making false bomb threats that caused the evacuation of both branches of the Ameris Bank in Lake City Wednesday.

Christopher Charles Ruzzo was arrested for threatening to bomb and booked into the Columbia County Jail.

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"I was upset and told them I would blow the place up," said Ruzzo.

The Lake City Police Department was notified of the bomb threat at 4:43 p.m.

According to the complaint, a disgruntled customer had contacted the bank's customer service line and threatened to blow up the Lake City and Live Oaks branches.

Police responded to both locations which were immediately evacuated.  Police searched the banks for explosive devices but none were found.

Meanwhile, LCPD's Criminal Investigative Division worked with Ameris Bank Corporate Security and were able to identify the origin of the call.

Investigators went to the Ruzzo's home where he was detained.  An investigation revealed that Ruzzo had called from his cellphone.

"Threats of this nature have to be taken very seriously," said Lake City Police Chief Argatha Gilmore.  "We are glad this threat turned out to be false, and greatly appreciate the assistance from Ameris Bank as well as the cooperation from the public during our response."

Ruzzo is currently being held on a $5,000 bond. 

Bank operations are expected to return to normal operation at 9 a.m. Thursday.