Bomb Threat Case in Apple Valley: Mark Frank Charged with Felony Threats of Violence
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - On December 12, 2024, a routine afternoon in Apple Valley, Minnesota, turned into a tense and alarming scene after law enforcement responded to a reported bomb threat at the local Mendards located at 6055 150th Street West. The suspect has been identified as Mark Frank, 45, of Burnsville, Minnesota, who is now facing a felony charge for threats of violence involving claims of an explosive device.
According to the criminal complaint from the Dakota County Attorney’s office, at approximately 4:25 p.m., Apple Valley Police Officers were dispatched following reports from store employees who stated that a man claimed he allegedly had a bomb in his vehicle and another by the store’s propane tanks. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect sitting near the restrooms, unresponsive to the commotion of an evacuation taking place around him.
According to the criminal complaint, Frank complied with officers after some initial hesitation, raising his hands and removing his jacket and sweatshirt. When asked directly if he had a bomb, Frank allegedly replied ambiguously, saying “possibly.” Officers arrested him and conducted a search, recovering a key fob, which Frank allegedly claimed was a remote detonator for a potential explosive device in his vehicle.
Evacuation and Search Efforts
Apple Valley Officers evacuated the store, and mutual aid was called in from neighboring police departments to help search the store, the parking lot, and Frank’s vehicle with K9 bomb-sniffing dogs. This mutual aid came from the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department, Inver Grove Heights Police Department, and Farmington Police Department. Law enforcement confirmed that no explosives or suspicious devices were found. According to the criminal complaint, surveillance footage from the store showed Frank allegedly behaving erratically for several hours before the bomb threat was reported. The video captured him allegedly tampering with a control panel near propane tanks, pacing the parking lot, and attempting to access the propane enclosure.
According to the criminal complaint, security staff recounted to officers that they initially approached Frank after observing him allegedly tampering with a closed check-out lane’s register. When confronted, the complaint states that Frank became agitated and walked away. Upon a second interaction, Frank escalated the situation, allegedly telling the security staff, “I have a bomb,” before adding there was another bomb by the propane tanks.
Following his arrest, Frank was transported to the Apple Valley Police Station, where he waived his Miranda rights. However, according to the criminal complaint, Frank's responses were incoherent and unrelated to the officers' inquiries during questioning. Police noted that his behavior allegedly suggested he may have been responding to internal stimuli, raising concerns about his mental state.
Legal Proceedings
Mark Frank faces up to three years in prison and a fine ranging from $900 to $3,000 if convicted. Frank is currently being held at Dakota County Jail without bail or bond, but a request was made for his bond to be set at $60,000 without conditions or $30,000 with conditions.
ORIGINAL STORY: Apple Valley Menards Evacuated Following Bomb Threat
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight