Google alert: Internet giant alerts FBI to Colorado threat against police

Published December 24, 2014 FoxNews.com

9News.com reported the police identified the man as Jeremiah Perez, a 33 year old from Colorado Springs who was arrested on Monday. (El Paso County Sheriff's Office)


A Colorado man is facing federal charges Wednesday after he allegedly posted threats against police in YouTube's comment section under the username, "Vets Hunting Cops."

9News.com reported the police identified the man as Jeremiah Perez, a 33-year-old Air Force veteran from Colorado Springs. He was arrested Monday. Police, who were alerted by Google about the posts, say they traced the IP address back to Perez's home.

"The perceived anonymity of the Internet will not serve as a shield for espousing violence in violation of federal law," a federal agent told the station.

The report said that Perez was under investigation since Dec. 17 and authorities eventually obtained a search warrant.

Perez allegedly admitted that he was behind the posts, but his intention was to "engage YouTube viewers in conversation," the station reported. He was reportedly charged with transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce and, if convicted, faces up to five years in prison.

One of the posts reportedly read, "WE, VETERANS WILL KILL RETIRED HELPLESS COPS."

He is in custody and will have a detention hearing on Dec. 29.
Law enforcement across the country appear to be stepping up the response to perceived online threats since two New York City police officers were shot and killed last weekend.

The gunman in that shooting, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, previously wrote on his Instagram account: "I'm putting wings on pigs today. They take 1 of ours, let's take 2 of theirs."

A Tennessee man was questioned by authorities after a threat on Instagram a day after the deadly shootings.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/12/24...cmp=latestnews