Irasburg man arrested after bomb threat at NEKCA

NEWPORT — An Irasburg man was arrested today for allegedly making a bomb threat at Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA).

Scott Toupin, 54, was arrested and charged with false public alarms, and disturbing the peace by use of a telephone.

Police received a call from a staff member at NEKCA at 1:30 p.m. saying she just received a call from a man who claimed to have left a small box on a food shelf at the facility.

The caller, who police identified as Toupin, allegedly indicated that the box might be a bomb.

He was located a short time later and was placed under arrest by the Newport Police.

Police say Toupin was allegedly at NEKCA the day before and became aggravated when employees refused to give him a ride to Irasburg.

He will be arraigned tomorrow in Orleans County District Court.

“I applaud the effort and partnership with local law enforcement agencies for their quick work in placing the suspect under arrest,” Newport Police Chief Bingham said. “This includes Vermont State Police, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, United States Border Patrol, Newport City Fire Department and Newport Ambulance Services for their assistance.”