Arrest made following Troy bomb threat investigation

A Troy man has been arrested in connection to a bomb threat investigation, according to the Troy Police Department.

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Troy man has been arrested in connection to a bomb threat investigation, according to the Troy Police Department. Mathius Ortiz, 30, was charged with making a terroristic threat and endangering the welfare of a child.

On April 19 at 4 p.m., police responded to Jefferson Street near Sixth Avenue after a group of minors reported seeing a man allegedly place an object on the ground and tell the group that the item was dangerous. An Explosive Detection Canine Team was called in, and police secured the surrounding area after locating the item.

Troy Police contacted state police, who dispatched a Bomb Disposal Unit to the scene. The object was collected and continues to be processed. At this time, there is no indication that the device is hazardous in any way, according to police.

In the ensuing investigation, Ortiz was identified as a suspect and he was taken into custody on April 21. Troy Police say that Ortiz claimed to have initiated the incident as a prank. He was arraigned at the Troy City Court following his arrest.