Press Release
Submitted by James T. Hurley
Fernandina Beach Police DepartmentFERNANDINA BEACH
www.fbpd.us
February 3, 2016 2:38 p.m.
The Fernandina Beach Police Department arrested an individual yesterday afternoon and charged him with arson and six counts of making a false report of planting a bomb. David Anthony Moody, 27 years of age, gave detectives a full confession, claiming that he acted alone, while deliberately forcing law enforcement to chase leads all weekend.
Since late last Friday afternoon the Fernandina Beach Police Department, with assistance from State and Federal authorities, have been investigating a series of bomb threats that were reported at two local businesses, as well as the Downtown Comfort Station.
Similar notes were also left at the Comfort Station on Saturday and again on Monday. In addition, a small trash fire was started inside the Comfort Station in conjunction with the note left on Monday. The notes contained various non-specific threats to detonate explosives. Comprehensive precautions were taken in addressing the threats without causing disruption or unnecessary attention to the search for the offender.
On Tuesday afternoon another note was left at a Downtown business. Based on working leads that had been developed throughout the weekend, detectives began to focus on a subject that was working in the downtown area. David Moody was arrested and physical evidence was recovered to substantiate and support his involvement. Additional investigation determined that the subject did not have direct access to explosives.
Several persons were interviewed during this investigation and the police department wishes to express gratitude for the extremely helpful and cooperative nature of our residents and visitors.
Fast work by the FB Police Dept. Great job to all those involved. In these times such treats have to be taken as deadly serious.
I was David’s 1st grade teacher. I am surprised and saddened to learn of this.
David lived in our neighborhood from the time that he was a small boy until very recently. We, too, are surprised and saddened. It seems quite out of character. It seems like there must be more to his story.
I just want to know “why”? But hats off to the FBPD for their diligent effort.
I taught David for two years at Emma Love. We recently reconnected and have been friends on Facebook. I am shocked and saddened by his arrest.
Sounds like a sad story involving a local man. Thankful for our well-tuned police department!
My thoughts go out to David, I’ve known him for years, he’s one of the few people I’ve felt never had a hint of hatred in him. I hope everything gets resolved soon.