Man Arrested Georgia Over Palm Bay Bomb Threats

Anthony Pettrone, 32, was arrested in Cobb County, Georgia, for making a series of violent and threatening phone calls to the Palm Bay Police Department, including a bomb threat targeting Palm Bay City Hall, false reports of murder, and explicit threats to kill police officers both on and off duty. The threats began on May 26, 2025, and escalated over several weeks, with Pettrone warning that officers would die if not evacuated from City Hall and threatening to shoot officers at their homes or while on duty. Investigators used forensic and technical methods to match the voice and phone number on the calls to Pettrone, leading to his arrest on June 20. He faces charges including a second-degree felony for making a false bomb report and a first-degree misdemeanor for threatening law enforcement officers. Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello emphasized that such threats are taken seriously and will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law, commending the police detectives for their thorough investigation. Authorities have not released information about Pettrone's motive, legal representation, or mental health evaluations.