Belle Vernon man accused of making threats to West Penn employees, students
A Belle Vernon man was arrested Friday for allegedly threatening to commit a shooting at a West Penn Power training center in Jeanette.
Jacob William Ackerman, 20, is facing a felony count of terroristic threats and a summary citation of disorderly conduct.
He allegedly sent a cellphone video to other students at Power Systems Institute on a group chat where he repeatedly said, “We are going in boys” and “I got the vest,” showing an assault rifle, ammunition and heavy ballistics vest.
Employees told state police they were told to evacuate the building due to a possible shooting after a student saw the video. State police arrived to the 143 W. Penn Drive training center in Hempfield Township at 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Ackerman reportedly confessed to police he sent the video.
He was reportedly incited to send the video after the company chose not to hire him.
State police confiscated the weapon, ammunition and vest.
Ackerman was arraigned at 3:30 p.m. Friday by Magisterial District Judge Joseph R. DeMarchis, who set bail at $100,000. He remains in the county lockup in lieu of bond.