Man threatens local law enforcement officers

Posted a threatening status to Facebook

A disturbing message appeared on Facebook, around 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 8th, from a 20-year-old Itasca County resident.

The message was a threat to kill law enforcement officers, it read:
“I wanna see some cops get killed, how about you? Especially some Grand Rapids cops.”

Within minutes of the post being published, members of community began notifying the Grand Rapids Police Department and Itasca County Sheriff’s Department. People from as far away as Michigan and Arizona were contacting the departments.

Within the hour, the man was located at a residence in Grand Rapids, and taken into custody, and was held for psychological evaluation, according to the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department.

“In various parts of the United States the relationship between law enforcement and the community is being painted as very strained. Yet, we know this is not reality in Itasca County”, said Grand Rapids Police Sergeant Bob Stein.

Itasca County Sheriff Vic Williams stated, “The men and women who serve as your police officers and deputies want to thank you very much. It is comforting to know that you are looking out for us and have our backs. THANK YOU!!!”