SerpApi.Org
EDWARDSVILLE – An East Alton man was charged Tuesday with threatening to “shoot up” Bethalto schools and the police department, and to kill specific officers.
Mark J. Schrader, 35, of the 400 block of Douglas Street, East Alton, was charged July 21in Madison County Circuit Court with three counts of making a terrorist threat, all Class X felonies; and two counts of threatening a public official, both Class 3 felonies.
The Bethalto Police Department presented the case.
According to court documents, Schrader communicated to employees of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center on July 10 that he intended to “shoot up” Bethalto schools, and it was “going to be like Columbine”; told hospital employees that he would “start a war” with the Bethalto Police Department, and he “knew how to get a gun and would harm himself and police officers.”
On July 20, he made a statement to Bethalto police officers that “when I buy a Mac-10 and turn your department Swiss cheese don’t be surprised”; and threatened to kill two specific officers.
Schrader was taken into custody with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Schrader was ordered remanded to jail.
According to a petition to deny pre-trial release filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, police had been given information about Schrader making threats.
He was later contacted by officers and made threats to harm those officers and shoot up the police department.
It was noted he has a prior conviction for aggravated battery on a peace officer and threatening a public official in a 2019 case.
In that case, he was charged June 10, 2019, and pled guilty June 14. He was sentenced to two years of probation.
Officials with the Bethalto School District could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning. As of Wednesday morning, Schrader was being transferred to the Madison County Jail.
“The swift and thorough response of Bethalto Police Department investigators led directly to the issuance of these charges,” Police Chief Ryan Dugger said in a written statement. “Upon learning of the threats directed at Bethalto schools, the Bethalto Police Department immediately notified the Bethalto Community Unit School District, ensuring that district officials were made aware of the threats. The department worked in coordination with school leadership to help safeguard students and staff.”
He noted that any threat to schools or officers “will be taken with the utmost seriousness.”
This individual has only been charged and remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All charges may not be reported.
