Nationwide — Kelvionia Townsend, a 23-year-old African American woman from Memphis, Tennessee, was arrested after police said she threatened to blow up Jail East if inmates were not released by midnight. She now faces multiple charges, including threats of mass violence.
According to WREG, Townsend called the women’s detention facility’s release office around 11:34 p.m. on October 30. During the call, she allegedly warned staff that she would detonate explosives if inmate releases did not begin by midnight.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said Townsend is related to an inmate currently being held at Jail East on domestic violence charges. Her connection to the inmate is believed to be the reason behind the threat.
Detectives and the Fugitive Apprehension Team located Townsend on Thursday in the 2600 block of James Road, where she was taken into custody without incident.
Townsend has been charged with threatening to commit an act of mass violence, false reporting, and harassment. Authorities confirmed no explosives were found, and no one at the facility was injured.
Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said officers treat all threats of violence seriously, especially those targeting jails or correctional staff. “The swift action in this case underscores our commitment to protecting the safety of employees, inmates, and the public,” Buckner said. “We will not tolerate attempts to intimidate or endanger others through threats of mass violence.”
Townsend remains in custody as the investigation continues.