Miami, FL - A Miami Shores resident was taken into custody after allegedly making a bomb threat at a neighborhood Publix supermarket.
According to authorities, on Tuesday around 11 a.m., Miami Shores police responded to reports of a potential bomb threat at the Publix located at 9050 Biscayne Boulevard.
Employees reported that 44-year-old Christopher Kory Pike was observed pushing a shopping cart in the rear of the store while shouting, "This is a bomb. F--- you, call the police!"
Officers later found Pike seated outside a nearby Walgreens.
As they approached, Pike allegedly advanced toward their marked vehicle, holding an object described as having two cylinders, electronic components, and wires.
Police ordered him to halt and place the item on the ground.
The Miami-Dade Bomb Squad was called to the scene and determined that the device was a tankless water heater.
When questioned about the origin of the device, Pike provided a statement that was redacted in the publicly released report.
He was subsequently arrested and faces charges of making a false report about placing a bomb or explosive and illegal possession of a hoax bomb while committing a felony.
As of Wednesday, Pike remains at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bond details pending.