By Shereen Siewert
A Wausau man is facing charges of making terrorist threats against coworkers at a Schofield business.
John M. Erickson, 36, faces five charges of terrorist threats, which alleges Erickson threatened to cause the death or bodily harm of his victims, causing panic and fear. The charges were filed June 26 in Marathon County Circuit Court.
Investigators say Erickson threatened five coworkers after an argument over his job performance. Witnesses told police Erickson had made threatening remarks and violent statements in the past, but on June 24 his remarks escalated and he threatened to “kill everyone at the shop,” according to court documents.
One witness said Erickson bragged about being “ex-military,” and said that “one day he was gonna come into the shop and kill every (expletive) in there.”
The business owner closed the shop for the remainder of the day and the following work day due to Erickson’s homicidal comments, according to the police report.
Erickson was located June 25 during a traffic stop and was taken into custody.
During an initial appearance June 25, Marathon County Circuit Judge Mike Moran set a $10,000 signature bond for Erickson, who has since been released from jail and was ordered to have no contact with the business. Moran also ordered Erickson not to possess any firearms until the case concludes.
A preliminary hearing is set for July 13.
