Samer Ismail Elhamad {BSO}
A Miami man was arrested at a Coconut Creek Planet Fitness after police say he made multiple elementary school shooting threats targeting schools in California, triggering a cross-country investigation.
According to a Coconut Creek Police Department report, Samer Ismail Elhamad, 32, was taken into custody Monday at a Planet Fitness at 4291 West Hillsboro Boulevard after law enforcement in California traced the calls to South Florida.
Investigators say Elhamad, who was born in San Diego, called multiple preschool locations in the San Diego area, including one in Carlsbad, and made alarming threats. During one call, he allegedly said he was on his way to the school to carry out a shooting. Authorities said he also referenced “sleeper cells,” “rapists,” and other disturbing claims during the calls.
A Carlsbad Police Department sergeant identified Elhamad as the suspect and initiated a phone ping, which led officers to the 7100 block of Lyons Road in Coconut Creek. Coconut Creek police located his Toyota Prius in the gym parking lot and detained him inside the facility.
According to investigators, Elhamad initially gave officers a false name and claimed he was from Lebanon, later attempting to blame the calls on two homeless individuals.
Authorities say Elhamad ultimately admitted to his identity after officers located a passport matching his name and photograph.
The investigation revealed the threats were not isolated. Police said multiple preschool locations in the San Diego area received similar calls within a short timeframe, all allegedly linked to Elhamad. In addition, authorities said he had previously contacted the San Diego Police Department in late March to make a false report involving his family. When officers determined no crime had occurred, Elhamad allegedly called police 21 more times that same day, threatening to kill officers and dispatchers.
While being taken into custody in Coconut Creek, Elhamad allegedly resisted officers and damaged a police vehicle by striking and breaking a side mirror, leading to an additional criminal mischief charge.
Elhamad was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he is being held on a $77,500 bond.
Authorities note that the investigation into Elhamad’s actions for other false reports is ongoing.
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