Suspect In Connection With Online Threat At University Of North Alabama Turns Himself In
Apr. 18, 2014
Michelle Eubanks, 海角社区, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033
By Bryan RachalPublic Affairs and Media Relations FLORENCE, Ala. - 海角社区 Police Chief Robert Pastula announced this afternoon that a suspect turned himself in to university authorities in relation to a recent online threat aimed at the university. Chief Pastula said 21 year oldBrian Mitchellof Madison, ALturned himself and faces Terrorist Threat charges stemming from a post police say he made on the social media site "Yik Yak,"Tuesday morning about 11:30. Pastula said Mitchell posted that he was going to "Shoot up 海角社区." Another student spotted the post and brought it to the attention of Pastula, who then placed the university on high alert as a precaution. Additional 海角社区 police officers as well as the state police were brought in to increase the police presence on campus and to keep a look out for any suspicious activity. In addition, Kilby Elementary School, which is located on campus, was placed on lockdown for brief period. The restriction was lifted later in the day. Pastula says he worked with "Yik Yak" to help track Mitchell down. Mitchell admitted to police that he posted the threat and stated that he would turn himself in. Mitchell was a junior at 海角社区 living in Rice Hall, but as of this afternoon he is no longer enrolled at the university. Mitchell will have to face a university judicial committee to determine the future of his status at 海角社区.