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Book bag bomb scare at jail leads to man’s arrest

Christopher Deriso (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
Christopher Deriso (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
By Raisa Habersham
Jan 5, 2017

A man walked into the Clayton County jail to visit an inmate.

But, according to authorities, he wound up joining them after he brought a gun inside the building.

Christopher Deriso, 26, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon in an unauthorized location and reckless conduct, according to jail records. He was also charged with possession of a weapon within a guard line, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Deriso left his book bag on the floor in the visitors’ lobby as he went to visit an inmate, according to the news station. The lone bag led police to believe there might be a bomb inside.

“The bag was checked for safety reasons and a .38 Smith and Wesson was discovered in the bag,” Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Sonyja George told Channel 2.

According to signs inside the jail, weapons are not allowed, including in the visitors’ lobby.

Deriso is being held in the Clayton County jail on $18,000 bond.

About the Author

Raisa Habersham is the Intown Atlanta hyperlocal reporter for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

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