In an attempt to get ahead of the line at a free Doja Cat performance in Indianapolis on Saturday, a man was detained after making a bomb threat (Jan. 8).
Police momentarily removed a throng in line outside downtown Indianapolis’ Monument Circle just before gates opened about 5 p.m., where fans had gathered for a free outdoor performance starring rapper/singer and indie pop duo AJR ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff national final.
“A fan wanted to advance in line so he exercised very poor judgment and told those around him in line he had a bomb in his backpack,” Joshua Barker, deputy chief for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), told the Indianapolis Star. “Someone did the right thing and alerted IMPD. The backpack was clean.”
The IMPD also issued a statement on Twitter following the incident.
“Nearby witnesses told police the individual said he had an explosive on him,” the department wrote. “IMPD officers responded, searched his bag and did not find an explosive. The man had unrelated outstanding warrants and was immediately arrested for those.”
The identity of the individual in detention has not been revealed by the police. According to the IMPD, the inquiry is still underway.
The concert’s first-come, first-served admission was delayed for roughly 20 minutes, but the show went on as planned. As of press time, neither Doja Cat nor AJR had responded to the event.
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) January 8, 2022