Watch CBS News

Police: Fired RI Teacher Arrested, Gun Seized Over Threatening Tweets

COVENTRY, R.I. (AP) — Police in Rhode Island have arrested a recently fired teacher after they say he sent threatening Twitter messages to officials at his former school.

Coventry police say 33-year-old Todd Gillheeney was arrested without incident Friday at his residence. They say they seized a semi-automatic rifle and more than 400 rounds of ammunition.

Police say officials at Coventry High School contacted authorities after receiving threatening and disturbing Twitter messages from a teacher whose employment had recently been terminated.

Gillheeney was arraigned Friday afternoon. He is charged with making threats to public officials and violating state laws on cyberstalking and cyber-harassment.

Attempts to reach Gillheeney on Friday were unsuccessful.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.