Man Arrested for Threatening to ‘Shoot Up’ Former University in Illinois
Wesley Chapel, Pasco County – A 22-year-old man is now in police custody in Pasco County after being accused of making threats to carry out a shooting at his former university in Illinois.
Jonathan Zang, a former student at the University of Illinois or Bona Champagne, was apprehended this week at his residence in Wesley Chapel.
The arrest followed reports from a Reddit user who noticed Zang’s alleged posts and promptly alerted campus police.
The campus police, in turn, contacted the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, which swiftly acted to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Law enforcement agencies stress the importance of the public’s vigilance in reporting any suspicious activities.
“See something? Say something,” is the motto they emphasize.
In this case, someone saw the threatening posts and reported them, leading to the arrest of Zang.
Pasco County deputies were able to work with Reddit to gather digital evidence associated with the posts and identify the person responsible.
The authorities take such threats seriously, regardless of whether they are intended as jokes or not.
“Dismissed as something they saw on the internet,” said one official, “we can say those are not jokes.
We take those very seriously.” The Pasco Sheriff’s Office maintains a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to online threats, understanding the potential dangers they pose to individuals and institutions.
In this incident, law enforcement officials highlight the importance of understanding that nothing posted online is truly anonymous.
Even with an anonymous username, there is always a digital footprint that authorities can follow to track down individuals responsible for making threats.
Zang, who seemingly believed he would remain unidentified, was quickly identified and arrested before any harm could be done.
This case serves as a reminder that online threats will be treated with utmost seriousness, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to remain vigilant and report any potential threats promptly.
The cooperation of the public is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of all institutions.
