Austin police arrest man for multiple ‘terroristic threats’
John Bateman, 26
Austin police have arrested a man they say threatened to attack local schools and the President of the United States.
John Peter Bateman is charged with making a terroristic threat. Police say the 26-year-old was working alone and there is no threat to the public now that he is in custody.
On March 1, e-mails and texts started coming in to APD that made a number of threats against area schools. Specifically, the messages said the person was going to either set off a bomb or "cause active shooting" at a local school.
The messages also threatened the President of the United States and other high ranking government officials.
"He was threatening schools, public education facilities, universities, as well as individuals and police officers of all different jurisdictions as he was making these threats," Lt. Mark Spangler with APD said.
Austin police notified other law enforcement agencies across the country of the possible danger. APD teamed up with federal agencies, including the secret service, to track down Bateman.
Police arrested him Monday at 3 p.m. Bateman is charged with one count of making a terroristic threat, which is a third-degree felony.
If convicted he could serve up to 10 years in prison and be fined up to $10,000.
Investigators say they're still counting up the threats he made and more charges could follow.