Sioux Falls Man Charged Threatening President And Attempted Arson

A 30-year-old Sioux Falls resident is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly making threats against the president and attempting to set fire to a local business.

According to Dakota News Now, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon at approximately 12:53 p.m. at a business located near the intersection of East 41st Street and South Village Center Place.

READ MORE: Fly Sioux Falls To Italy For A Worry-Free Trip Of A Lifetime!

Authorities were first alerted when Metro Communications received a call from an individual asking how to reach the White House and expressing intent to harm the president.

The same caller later stated he was obtaining lighter fluid and planned to "light stuff up."

Approximately ten minutes after the initial call, an employee at a nearby business reported that a man had stolen lighters and lighter fluid from the store.

The suspect was observed spraying the fluid outside the building while attempting to ignite it. As a safety measure, staff secured the building by locking the doors after the man departed.

Responding officers located the suspect outside another business, where he was found spraying lighter fluid on firewood.

He was taken into custody immediately. Officers recovered multiple lighters from the individual, and investigators confirmed the phone number from the threatening call belonged to the arrested man.

• Bai N. Pyne of Sioux Falls has been charged with:
• Terrorist Threat
• Arson
• Misuse of Electronic Communication Device
• Petty Theft

Pyne is currently being held at the county jail.