Terrorist threat made against Aurora Mercy Hospital, Stotts arrested

By: 
Ethan Gray

Stotts

On May 19, Alicia Stotts was arrested by the Aurora/Marionville Police Department on charges of a terrorist threat in the first degree and institutional vandalism. Stotts stands accused of making multiple threats towards the Aurora Mercy Hospital, specifically threatening to commit gun violence on the hospital premises. According to reports, Mercy contacted the AMPD, expressing their concern for the safety of their patients, as well as the doctors and nurses present. The AMPD tracked Stotts down and promptly arrested her. It is currently unknown why Stotts faces charges of vandalism.
"AMPD was contacted by Mercy who wanted to protect their patients and staff. We immediately initiated an investigation," the police department expressed in a press release. "Using various techniques and technology, we located the suspect, Alicia Stotts, and placed her into custody. She is innocent until proven guilty"
The AMPD shared their feelings on the arrest through a communication on Facebook where they encouraged people not to make threats even if they don't mean them.
"Our colleagues at the hospital are busy saving lives. This type of behavior and these types of threats will be taken seriously and will result in arrest. The first amendment does not protect threatening speech designed to cause fear of a major incident. We will not take any chances by assuming threats are not real."
Stotts is currently being held in Lawrence County following her threats. She is scheduled to have her next court date on June 12, at the Lawrence County Justice Center, in Mt. Vernon, where she is expected to be arraigned. Stotts has thus far been denied bond except in special circumstances. Stotts will still be able to make bail, however, as long as she signs an agreement that promises she will be present at the following court dates.
 

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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