Calif. suspect in Ypsilanti Twp. bomb threat released, officials said

Washtenaw County authorities said Friday they continue to investigate bomb threats made against a Ypsilanti Township motel last weekend.

They also said a California man suspected of making the threat and arrested has been cleared and released.

"The investigation into the origin of these threats is ongoing and law enforcement is diligently working to ensure the safety and security of our community," the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Officials said sheriff's deputies were called at about 8 a.m. Sunday to the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest for a bomb threat.

At the time, the motel was hosting the Motor City Furry Con, according to authorities. The event's organizers bill it as Michigan's 18+ anthropomorphic appreciation convention.

Police said someone emailed an area news media outlet and claimed to have placed bombs around the motel.

Deputies evacuated the building as a precaution and deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to search the motel. No explosives were found and first responders cleared the motel at about 12:30 p.m.

Officials also said a similar threat was made against the motel last year while it hosted the same convention.

Investigators reported Monday that police in California had in custody a suspect believed to have sent the threat.

Sheriff's officials said several people received an emailed bomb threat on Sunday. They said the emails were forwarded to deputies on Tuesday that said bombs were placed in the motel's rooms and at three dorm buildings at Eastern Michigan University.

Authorities received additional emails with bomb threats but they didn't provide information on specific targets.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez