Update: Resident Arrested After Social Media Threats To Mayor Apologizes
OTPD: 75-yr-old angry over tax increase threatens to burn down Mayor's house
A 75-year-old township resident arrested Saturday in relation to threats he made to Mayor Christopher Siciliano via social media has apologized.
“I did receive a sincere apology form the man, which I accept,” Siciliano said. “It’s time to move on.”
Officials said they received information that a township resident threatened to “burn the mayor’s house down” near 11:22 a.m.
“The information was developed via a Facebook post and was forward to our agency,” police officials said. “The threat stemmed from the township resident expressing his anger over a recent property tax increase.”
By 6:43 p.m. officials charged Arthur Morse with making terroristic threats at an Alpern Avenue residence. He was processed and released, pending a future court date.
“Its an unfortunate situation,” Siciliano had said “Listen, people are upset over the recent reassessment. I get it but we can use reason more than emotion going forward.”
Siciliano said he had to take the charges seriously because family members were becoming more fearful due in part to someone charging up to their door step last week prior to this cyber bullying incident.
“Social media makes good people do irrational things sometimes,” Siciliano said. “I faith in everyone but this is about keeping my family safe. The police department did a fantastic job and I feel safe with them protecting us.”
Police Officers Mark Powoski and Randy Slawsky investigated.
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