Weirton man charged following bomb threat

Leroy Richard Koepfinger Jr. , 58, has been charged with making terroristic threats after a false bomb threat at the Weirton Walmart on Friday. Allegedly, he approached the customer service desk, claimed he had converted a speaker into a bomb, and insisted that a television news crew be contacted to discuss mental health and working conditions. The store was evacuated as a safety precaution, highlighting the seriousness of such threats. Law enforcement noted that this is not the first time Koepfinger has made similar claims at other businesses, indicating a troubling pattern.

His case is currently pending in Brooke County Magistrate Court, where a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 28. Koepfinger is being held on a $20,000 bond at the West Virginia Northern Regional Jail. The incident raises concerns about workplace safety and mental health discussions in the community. Local authorities are taking steps to address the implications of such threats on public safety.