Police have arrested a suspect for making numerous bomb threats to public libraries, businesses, suburban governments and at least one police station during approximately the past seven weeks, according to information from the Niles, Morton Grove and Skokie police departments.
Jacob N. Spiro, 23, of the 4600 block of Davis Street, Skokie, was arrested Monday in Niles by Niles police with the assistance of Morton Grove police and the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force, police said in statements.
Spiro was arrested in connection to bomb threat calls made to the Wendy’s at 8309 Golf Road in Niles on Oct. 9 and Notre Dame High School on Sept. 29, according to the Niles Police Department. Other locations have also been identified but remain under investigation.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office approved felony charges for disorderly conduct for Spiro, and he is scheduled to appear in court today for a pre-trial hearing. Additional charges could be forthcoming.
Police from several jurisdictions collaborated on an investigation, with detectives from Niles, Wilmette, Morton Grove, Skokie, Northbrook and Glenview assisting in identifying the suspect, they said. Niles police arrested Spiro at 8309 W. Golf Road, Niles.
Public libraries in several suburbs and Chicago had to close or take precautions after receiving bomb threats in August and September, according to previous reporting, and numerous other organizations also received threats of bombs or violence.
Niles police said 11 threats occurred in Niles and Morton Grove police said 12 occurred in Morton Grove, including some directed at the Morton Grove Library, the Village of Morton Grove and businesses.
Skokie police said in a statement that 16 threats were made in Skokie.
During the investigation, detectives linked the suspect to all these incidents and identified him through digital forensics, police said.
Evanston police said on the X social media platform that they are continuing to investigate bomb threats made in Evanston.
An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Check back for updates on this developing story.