N.J. man did not threaten train, DA says

February 04, 2010|Associated Press

DENVER - Prosecutors in southeastern Colorado say they would not pursue charges against a former convict accused of making a threat against an Amtrak train because further investigation revealed the man displayed no bizarre behavior or even made a threat.

Ojore Nuru Lutalo, 64, of Elizabeth, N.J., was arrested Jan. 26 on suspicion of felony endangering public transportation.

Otero District Attorney Rod Fouracre said yesterday that the Amtrak steward who reported the threats to police later said she had not heard the alleged statements herself; she reported the concerns voiced by other passengers.

The passengers on the train told police they never heard any specific threats to the train.

Lutalo, a self-described anarchist who spent more than 20 years in solitary confinement in New Jersey, said he’s relieved.

“I never said anything. I never did anything. I’m not surprised at all,’’ Lutalo said when reached by phone in Denver, where he has been staying pending the outcome of his case. Lutalo had been freed on $30,000 bail.

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