HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A multi-state investigation ended with handcuffs after a man allegedly phoned in a bomb threat to a Florida assisted living facility from over 1,500 miles away.
The scare began on April 7, 2026, at the Colonnade at Carrollwood. Staff at the facility, located at 13550 S. Village Drive in Tampa, reported receiving a chilling phone call from an individual claiming an explosive device was hidden inside the building. The caller hung up immediately after making the statement.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies swarmed the scene, conducting an exhaustive search of the premises. While the threat caused significant concern for the elderly residents and staff, investigators confirmed that no explosives were found and the building was cleared of any danger.
Detectives quickly turned their attention to tracing the call, eventually identifying 33-year-old Alexander Lufriu as the primary suspect. Although Lufriu previously resided in Hillsborough County, investigators tracked his digital footprint to Scott County, Minnesota.
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The Prior Lake Police Department in Minnesota assisted in the effort, locating Lufriu and verifying that his phone number was the one used to place the threatening call to the Tampa facility. Lufriu was taken into custody in Scott County on April 8, 2026.
“Threatening lives and causing panic in our community is unacceptable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We will track you down, no matter where you are, and hold you accountable.”
Lufriu now faces serious legal consequences, including charges for making a False Report of a Bomb, Explosive, or Weapon of Mass Destruction, as well as the Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active.
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