Law enforcement steps in after man threatens to kill Steelers fans and players
A man in Texas was arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill Pittsburgh Steelers players and fans attending Sunday’s divisional round playoff game between the Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Yuttana Choochongkol, 30, was arrested Friday after he allegedly sent a threatening note to Heinz Field, where the Steelers play, and a local Pittsburgh television station, per an affidavit via KSAT in San Antonio.
Choochongkol has been charged with making a terroristic threat, which is a third-degree felony.
“This Sunday’s playoff game in Pittsburgh is going to be like no other. Why? Because it’s going to be my last day on this pathetic planet. So why not take some innocent lives with me?” Choochongkol’s note begins.
Choochongkol went on to explain the rationale in his terroristic threat.
“The Steelers game will be packed, and that’s when I plan on killing Steelers football players and fans before taking my own pitiful life. After all, what does a person that is going to commit suicide have to lose? Absolutely nothing. So why not take out some million dollar Steelers players before me? Sounds like a good idea. Hahahahahah,” Choochongkol’s letter concludes.
The threats were eventually traced back to San Antonio, where Choochongkol was promptly arrested.
Burt Lauten, Steelers director of communications, confirmed that the Steelers had been made aware of the threat.
“The Heinz Field website received a threat concerning the playoff game vs. Jacksonville. We take all threats seriously and turned over information to the FBI and the City of Pittsburgh Police,” Lauten said.
“We are thankful law enforcement was able to identify and track down the individual to make an arrest. We appreciate the hard work and attention that our law enforcement provides to our communities.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto also chimed in, citing his appreciation for law enforcement.
Thank you @FBIPittsburgh & @PghPolice on your coordinated efforts. Although much of your work go unnoticed or protected, your continuous service to protect is constantly appreciated. https://t.co/FZi0N1Hgic
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) January 14, 2018
Authorities were reportedly able to track down the threat by tracing the IP address.
It eventually led them to World Wide Clinical Trials in San Antonio.
Workers at the facility were able to help identify Choochongkol.
According to World Wide Clinical Trials, Choochongkol has been a medical trial subject with the company 25 times since 2011.
If convicted, Choochongkol could face up to 10 years in prison.
It was not immediately clear if Choochongkol had made plans to travel from San Antonio to Pittsburgh.
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