***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2015

THOMAS TOWNSEND FACING CHARGES FOR THREATS TO THE LERNER THEATRE

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

On August 29, 2015 Elkhart Police Department officers working a concert at the Lerner Theatre were approached by a patron. The patron reported that a man was being disruptive and threatening physical aggression. Officers located Thomas Townsend, observed signs of intoxication based on their training and experience, and escorted Townsend to the lobby. Townsend later left in a cab.

On August 31, 2015 the manager of the Lerner Theatre reviewed a message on the answering machine which was left in the early morning hours of August 30, 2015. A male's voice could be heard on the message threatening "mass murder". Theater management immediately contacted the Elkhart Police Department. Detectives investigated the Caller ID number, and their investigation led them to Thomas Townsend.

A detective with the Elkhart Police Department interviewed the cab driver who transported Thomas Townsend from the Lerner Theatre to his residence the night of August 29th. According to the cab driver, during the ride Townsend appeared "drunk" and seemed very upset regarding the circumstances of being "kicked out" of the theater.

On September 17, 2015 charges were filed against Thomas Townsend for Intimidation, a Level 6 felony and Public Intoxication, a Class A misdemeanor.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”