Palmetto man built a bomb and he planned to use it, cops say

A 38-year-old Palmetto man is behind bars after threatening to kill a woman’s family by using a pipe bomb he made, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say Shelby Ziegler sent the victim the threats and a photo of the pipe bomb via texts. The victim turned over the texts and photos to the sheriff’s office.

According to the arrest report, deputies and agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made contact with Ziegler at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night at his residence.

Deputies say Ziegler sent at least one photo of himself holding the explosive device. Written threats included statements that, “I would take pleasure in taking your whole family’s life,” according to the report.

ATF agents executed a search warrant of Ziegler’s home and found the explosive device.

Ziegler was booked into the Manatee County jail on two felony charges, including sending written threats to kill and making a destructive device. He remains in custody on bonds totaling $15,000.