Bomb threat at Lakeview School and arrest in Albert Lea

(ABC 6 NEWS) – What started out as an anticipated arrest for outstanding warrants in Albert Lea, quickly escalated this morning and resulted in a bomb threat at Lakeview School in Albert Lea.

Around 10:40 this morning, Albert Lea police had determined that Anthony Jerome Woodraska, 33, from Walters, Minnesota was in a residence in the 800 Block of Third Ave South. Woodraska was wanted for numerous theft related charges and a warrant from another county.

Refusing Officer’s request to come outside, Woodraska then barricaded himself in the residence. As Officers continued to negotiate with Woodraska a report of a bomb was received at 11:15am at Lakeview School. The school was immediately evacuated and emergency responders were dispatched.

At 11:25 a.m. negotiations with Woodraska were successful and he was taken into custody without further incident, soon after, Woodraska admitted that he called in the bomb threat in hopes that the police would leave.

Woodraska was transported to the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center and booked in on the warrant and charges related to the theft and bomb threat.

The Albert Lea Police Department was assisted by Albert Lea Fire & Rescue and the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office.