Man arrested at St. Joseph County courthouse for making ‘terrorist threats’

CENTREVILLE — A 64-year-old man from White Pigeon was arrested Friday after reportedly threatening government staff and employees at the St. Joseph County courthouse in Centreville.
According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect was taken into custody without incident, and was reportedly found to be possessing a firearm. He is currently lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail on charges of making “terrorist threats,” and there is no active threat to the public at this time.
The man, 64-year-old Lawrence Rice, was arraigned Monday on multiple charges: False report or threat of terrorism, terrorism – use of internet/telecommunications, and carrying a concealed weapon. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21 in St. Joseph County 3B District Court.
Sheriff Chad Spence said in a statement he was “grateful” for the “professionalism and cooperation” from staff involved in the situation, and that the Sheriff’s Office will “not tolerate any threats or acts of violence” against government officials, employees, or community members.
Assisting on scene were the St. Joseph Valley Special Response Team, Three Rivers Police Department, White Pigeon Police Department, and St. Joseph County Central Dispatch.