Four counts for woman arraigned in bomb hoax
April Grueter was charged with disorderly conduct, possession of a hoax device, causing a false fire alarm, and tampering with a fire call box.
A Webster woman pleaded not guilty in court last week after police said she pulled fire alarms in two Acton stores, left a suitcase in one, and drove off, only to crash her car in Lincoln.
Police said April Grueter, 48, triggered an alarm in the Dunkin’ at Nine Acre Corner around 7:45 p.m. on August 28. An officer said she then allegedly pulled another alarm in the neighboring Nine Acre Farm Convenience & Deli, said there was “going to be a fire,” and took off, leaving behind a large suitcase.
Local authorities called the State Police Bomb Squad and evacuated nearby businesses. Troopers found only clothing and paperwork in the suitcase, according to an incident report.
Police arrested Grueter after she allegedly crashed her car on South Great Road and ran into the woods.
She was charged with disorderly conduct, possession of a hoax device, causing a false fire alarm, and tampering with a fire call box. Her lawyer had no comment when reached by phone Tuesday.
Acton police Sgt. Timothy McGonagle wrote in a report that Grueter told her sister over the phone that she left her bag and tried to hide her car “because ‘that’s what God told me to do,’” and said she hadn’t slept in days.
A Verrill Farm employee also reported someone “who made a statement about there being a fire” on the night of August 28. Police Capt. Brian Goldman said the woman matched Grueter’s description and left in a car that looked like the one she allegedly crashed.
Goldman said Grueter was released on bail.
