CORNISH — A 24-year-old Cornish man was arrested Monday after authorities investigated threatening comments he made at a restaurant and discovered bomb-making materials at his home.
Blake Tibbetts was charged with terrorizing, criminal use of explosives and criminal attempt to cause a catastrophe following an investigation that began when someone reported concerning comments he made at a Cornish restaurant.
The comments referenced potential threats directed toward the University of New England in Biddeford, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Maine State Police and Biddeford Police Department responded to the report Monday morning.
Troopers detained Tibbetts, who was evaluated at a local hospital before being transported to York County Jail.
The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office and FBI assisted in the investigation at the request of state police.
During the investigation, agencies found bomb-making materials at Tibbetts’ residence on Old Limington Road.
Tibbetts faces charges of terrorizing and criminal use of explosives, both Class C felonies, and criminal attempt to cause a catastrophe, a Class B felony.
He is being held on $500,000 cash bail.
The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office has assumed the role of primary investigative agency, working with Maine State Police, the FBI and York County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the University of New England community.
