Roy Robson, 35, of Ambler.
UPDATE: Nov. 11, 2:08 p.m. – Judge Duffy relayed that while the bail setting states “unsecured,” she ordered that Robson undergo a “level of care” assessment and he will only be released according to the terms of the assessment, which will likely require inpatient mental health care.
Should the assessment recommend outpatient care, Robson is also prohibited from using SEPTA as transportation.
Original story follows…
An Ambler man is facing three felony charges stemming from Monday’s bomb threat along the SEPTA Regional Rail line in Lansdale Borough.Roy Robson, 35, has been charged with two felony counts of terroristic threats along with a third felony charge of making a bomb threat. He’s currently free on $20,000 unsecured bail.
Lansdale Borough Police began investigating a bomb threat at the West Main Street Transportation Center on Monday afternoon just after 3 p.m., after Montgomery County Dispatch allegedly received a call from an unknown male — later identified as Robson — claiming he was on a northbound train to Lansdale with a bomb and he intended to blow the train up.
According to the criminal complaint, Robson told county dispatch “I am on the train from Fernrock to approaching Lansdale, and I have a bomb and I’m going to blow the train up.”
As a result of the threat, all passengers were evacuated from the train as it arrived at the Lansdale Train Station. All other SEPTA trains with passengers on board were also taken out of service due to the threat, police said.
Investigators said they traced the call to a location in Upper Dublin Township, and upon hearing a recording of the 9-1-1 call, an officer with the Upper Dublin Police Department identified the voice as Robson and supplied Lansdale Police with an image of Robson for reference. Robson’s vehicle was then located at the North Hills Train Station, and police were provided a description of Robson’s clothing along with information showing he was likely a passenger on a train approaching the Pennbook Train Station, according to charging documents.
At approximately 4:04 p.m., the train arrived at the Pennbrook Train Station, at which point police located Robson and took him into custody, the report states.
Following an extensive search of two trains — aided by members of the Montgomery County Bomb Squad, neighboring police canine units, and statements made by Robson — investigators ultimately determined there was no bomb on either train.
While being interviewed by investigators, Robson stated that he initially wanted to go to the hospital for a mental health issue, but his mother would not provide a ride and when he attempted to board a SEPTA train, the conductor denied him entry, police said. Robson said he became angry and called in the bomb threat, then stayed on location and boarded the next train, according to the complaint.
Robson stated he knew it was “not right” but he was frustrated and was trying to get to the hospital, the report states.
Court documents show Robson was arraigned Tuesday morning by District Judge Andrea Duffy, and he was subsequently released on unsecured bail. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. in front of District Judge Ed Levine.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause. This story was updated to reflect the child's current custody status.
See also:
Suspect in Custody Following Bomb Threat on Septa Regional Rail Line in Lansdale
Police Investigating Bomb Threat Against SEPTA Regional Rail Line in Lansdale
