A Florida man has been charged with making a false bomb threat after being inspired by a TikTok trend. Coty J. Clements, a 28-year-old resident of North Port, is accused of calling in a bomb threat to a Walmart location in Port Charlotte on January 12. The caller claimed there was a bomb inside the store and hung up after saying “Tic Toc, Tic Toc”.
Authorities were able to trace the call back to Clements, who initially claimed that he had left his phone in the Walmart restroom. However, further investigation revealed that he was the only person seen entering and exiting the restroom during the time the call was made. During questioning, Clements confessed to making the fake bomb threat, stating that he had seen similar calls on the TikTok app.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office commended the quick response of their dispatchers and deputies in ensuring the safety of the scene and locating the suspect. Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized that threats of any kind will not be tolerated in Charlotte County.
Clements has been released on $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in February. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident.
This incident highlights the potential dangers of viral trends on social media platforms like TikTok. While many trends on the app are harmless and entertaining, there are instances where individuals may be influenced to engage in illegal or dangerous activities. It serves as a reminder for users to exercise caution and responsibility when participating in online trends.
