By Marcus Dieterle
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore City Police Commissioner Kevin Davis identified the suspect who allegedly threatened to blow up Fox 45 as 25-year-old Alex Michael Brizzi of the 6300 block of Ducketts Lane in Elkridge, Maryland, part of Howard County, during a press conference today.
Brizzi will be charged with the felony offenses of second-degree arson and first-degree malicious burning as well as the misdemeanors of threat of arson, four counts of reckless endangerment and one count of possessing a phony destructive device, Davis said.
When Brizzi arrived at the Fox 45 building, he spoke to a security contractor through the glass in the vestibule area of the building. That security contractor, Jourael “Jay” Apostolides, continued speaking with Brizzi until the people inside of the building were able to evacuate, at which time he was able to escape through a side entrance, Davis said.
Davis said that the flash drive, which contained information that Brizzi wanted to be aired, contained video rants of Brizzi talking about the end of the world.
Brizzi was wearing a hedgehog onesie associated with Japanese anime culture, Davis said.
When Brizzi exited the building around 3 p.m., SWAT officers were positioned outside, Davis said.
According to Davis, Brizzi was struck three times. After being shot and laying on the ground, Brizzi continued to be non-compliant. Police deployed a robot, which was able to disarm and disrobe Brizzi, Davis said.
Brizzi was transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma in serious but stable condition. His injuries are described as non-life threatening, Davis said.
The motherboard that was part of the phony explosive device appears to be taken from a smoke detector. The wire that ran from the motherboard and down Brizzi’s sleeve was attached to what appeared to be a detonation device, Davis said.
A search warrant was conducted at Brizzi’s Howard County home. No explosives were found. The incident is not connected to any form of organized terrorism, Davis said.
According to T. J. Smith, a spokesperson for the Baltimore Police Department, the vehicle that was set on fire did belong to Brizzi.
See previous story here.