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WEST VALLEY CITY — Quick action by police may have prevented a workplace shooting.
Rhuan Campbell, 48, was arrested Monday for investigation of making a threat of terrorism and possessing a weapon with intent to assault.
According to West Valley police, Campbell began sending his former employer concerning text messages on Sept. 6, saying that he believed he was owed money.
"The text messages did not contain any criminal threats. However, due to the hostile nature of the messages, an officer attempted to contact Campbell by phone," police stated.
More messages were sent by Campbell on Sept. 8, but, again, not considered criminal, according to police. Officers again attempted to contact Campbell, leaving their own messages telling him to stop.
But on Monday, police say the Campbell's messages became threatening.
Campbell called his former employer demanding $15,000 "or else he was going to come to the company and shoot up the place," a police booking affidavit states. He claimed he had 17 rounds "and would use them on everyone if he did not have his money by sundown," according to the affidavit.
The business was evacuated and police started looking for Campbell.
"That same morning, the suspect called the Brigham City Police Department and reported that he was homicidal. Police located Campbell, who was driving, and conducted a traffic stop," West Valley police stated.
When officers stopped him, they found a loaded gun in the vehicle next to him, the affidavit states. Detectives believe "he was actively en route to act out the terroristic threats he made to the business."
Campbell was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.
"This case had the potential to result in real tragedy. We are grateful for the quick actions of officers from all involved agencies, and particularly that officers from Brigham City successfully took Mr. Campbell into custody," West Valley police stated Tuesday.
