PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — A 50-year-old Punxsutawney man has been charged with making terroristic threats and harassment following an incident involving local school staff.
Jeffrey S. Keeder, of Punxsutawney, was arrested after allegedly threatening violence against Punxsutawney Area High School staff during a phone call on October 10. The threats were overheard by school personnel during a meeting with Keeder’s wife.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Master Patrolman Ryan Miller, of the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department, the incident began when school officials contacted parents regarding a student’s alarming comments toward peers. During a subsequent meeting with the student’s mother, she called Jeffrey Keeder.
School staff reported hearing Jeffrey Keeder yell, “I’m going to come to the school and punch someone in the face!” and “They are going to have to worry about what I’m doing to the school!”
The complaint states that when the student’s mother explained to Keeder that the school would like to set up a meeting on October 14, he also threatened, “I will be coming there throwing teachers and guidance counselors out of the parking lot at 2:30,” and used derogatory language to describe school staff.
The threats caused significant alarm among faculty and staff, with one guidance counselor came to the police station, reportedly appearing shaken and requiring reassurance near the end of the school day. School administrators expressed concern for the safety of students and staff at dismissal time.
Authorities say Keeder is currently part of the ARD Program in Clarion County for previous terroristic threats involving a local Walmart. In that incident, Keeder was reportedly stopped by law enforcement while gathering kerosene, fertilizer, propane tanks, and medical gauze.
Master Patrolman Miller attempted to contact Keeder and left a voice message requesting a return call. The officer also notified Clarion County Probation about the new threats.
Keeder faces one count of making terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, a first-degree misdemeanor, and one count of harassment, a third-degree misdemeanor.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2024, before Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.
The Punxsutawney Borough Police Department is handling the investigation.
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