KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former William Jewell student was charged Tuesday in connection with making a threat over the weekend against his former school.
Clay County prosecutors charged Jacob Raczkowski, 25, of St. Joseph, Missouri, with one count of making a terroristic threat.
In a press release Monday, the Liberty Police Department said a person called city communications officers around 9:45 p.m. Saturday and said they planned to “start shooting” at a building on campus.
According to a court document released Tuesday, he allegedly said William Jewell had ruined his life, so he planned to do everything possible to get revenge on the college, “even if it means shooting up the school when students come back."
Raczkowski’s earlier behavior resulted in his expulsion from the college and a no-trespass order.
In response to the threat Saturday night, officers responded to the college, where it was determined the caller “was not on or near campus at that time,” per police.
Authorities notified collegiate leaders, and additional security personnel were stationed on campus.
On Sunday, local law enforcement spotted the suspect, who had then been identified as Raczkowski, outside of a business near 291 Highway and Interstate 35. However, authorities were unable to take him into custody because of his “extremely dangerous driving.”
Because of the threats, William Jewell administrators canceled all classes and activities on Monday.
Later Monday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol became involved when Raczkowski was spotted near Sedalia. Troopers initiated a pursuit and took Raczkowski into custody.
The court document states Raczkowski told an FBI agent during an interview after his arrest that he made the phone calls to get respect but had no plans for violence, nor did he have any weapons.
Raczkowski remains in custody at the Lafayette County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors have requested a $100,000 bond.
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