MIFFLINTOWN, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after State Police say he threatened to "shoot up" the Juniata County Courthouse.
Steven Shepps, 30, of Altoona, has been charged with terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct in connection to the alleged incident, which occurred on October 29.
According to police, a staff member at the courthouse contacted authorities after receiving a threatening phone call from Shepps at about 8:16 a.m. She reported that Shepps, who appeared to be "under the influence of something," was asking questions about the custody of his child. He allegedly became irate when she was unable to answer them, the witness told police.
The witness said the conversation ended when she transferred the call to the correct department, according to the complaint.
Shepps called back at about 8:20 a.m., and the witness put the call on speaker, where she and another witness allegedly heard Shepps say "I'm about ready to come down there and shoot the place up," according to the complaint.
State Police arrested Shepps on October 30. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Tracy Powell and committed to Mifflin County Prison after failing to post $20,000 cash bail, according to court records.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.
