COVENTRY, R.I. -- The police arrested a former teacher Friday and charged him with sending threatening/disturbing Tweets, which school officials forwarded to the police officer assigned to Coventry High School.
Todd C. Gillheeney, 33, of Larchmont Drive, was taken into custody at his residence after officers obtained a warrant. The police reported that they confiscated an AR-15 rifle, several magazines for the weapon and 400 rounds of ammunition, as well as computer and other electronic devices.
The officers said Gillheeney had recently been fired, but declined to say why. The suspect was charged with making threats to public officials, cyberstalking, cyberharassment and making crank phone calls.
After an appearance in District Court, Gillheeney was released pending a future court appearance, said Lt. John Shields.
Shields declined to say what led to the suspect's termination.
CORRECTION: The original version of this item misidentified the recipients of Gillheeney's Tweets.