A woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail into a Bank of America in Torrance, California, after becoming enraged over the wait for a teller.
The defendant, identified as Teranee Millet, 35, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and destructive device, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of California.
The incident occurred in September 2021 when Millet entered the bank and engaged in a heated dispute with the bank manager.
Apparently dissatisfied with the service, Millet demanded to be served by another teller due to what she believed was an excessively long wait. When her request was denied, she resorted to threats and unleashed a profanity-laden tirade, yelling: “I’m going to blow this bitch up!” in the presence of the bank manager and other customers.
Alarmed by Millet’s menacing behavior, the bank manager immediately dialed 9-1-1 and reported the threat to law enforcement. However, moments later, Millet returned to the bank and hurled a Molotov cocktail inside, setting off a fire. Fortunately, a customer managed to extinguish the flames before they could cause significant damage or harm.
The situation took another turn when Millet, on her way out of the bank’s parking lot and before the arrival of law enforcement, menaced another customer and threw a glass bottle at the individual’s truck, causing minor damage.
Although she left before law enforcement could apprehend her, officers were able to identify Millet on security camera footage.
Following the incident at the bank, Millet managed to evade capture and embarked on a cross-country journey. It was not until two months later that law enforcement apprehended her on the opposite side of the country in Georgia.
Millet was ultimately arrested after leading police on a car chase in a stolen U-Haul van, which ultimately ended in a crash.
During the subsequent search of the stolen vehicle, officers discovered a gym bag containing four packs of glass bottles, each with tissue paper inserted inside, along with a can of lighter fluid and a sizable five-gallon can of gasoline.
In the wake of her arrest, Millet has remained in custody, receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. The Torrance Police Department, Torrance Fire Department and the FBI assisted in the arrest.
Millet appeared before the court on June 26 and was sentenced to two years in federal prison for her actions.
