The Dothan Police Department arrested an Ozark man Sept. 4 in connection with terrorist threats at the Veteran’s Medical Clinic.
A press release from Dothan public information officer, Rachel David, says an employee at the clinic said she spoke with a man on the telephone who called to inquire about a prescription for medication.
Due to privacy matters, police are not releasing the type of medication or the reason his request was denied; however, police have confirmed that upon being denied, the man threatened to use a .45 caliber handgun to kill 42 people, further implying his actions would be the fault of the clinic.
Based on the serious nature of this threat, investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit took immediate action to secure a warrant for the arrest of the suspect, 50-year-old Jeffery Winberry. Police then traveled to the suspects’ home where police say Winberry was seen in the yard armed with a handgun. The suspect then barricaded himself in the residence for about two hours. The standoff ended after Winberry unsuccessfully attempted to flee on foot from the residence and officers took him into custody.
The Dothan Police Department would like to thank the Ozark Police Department, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the Wiregrass Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Alabama State Troopers for assistance with this case.
Winberry is being held under no bond.
UPDATE:
Investigators say Winberry has now been charged with an additional count of terrorist threats and continues to be held with no bond.
Following the original arrest, investigators received a call from the Pain Management Center in Dothan and an employee reported receiving a threatening call from Winberry in July.
As with the most recent case, David said the call was initiated by Winberry who was inquiring about medications.
During the call, Winberry gave the employee a deadline for calling in the prescription and further stated, "I'm the bringer of the darkness. The sun will rise and set of the darkest days of your life if the medication is not called in by 5 p.m. Don't waste your time calling me, this is the most important call of your life."
The employee was frightened by the call and threats by Winberry who has now been charged with the second charge.
cin5614 posted at 7:09 pm on Wed, Sep 5, 2012.
Why don't we try to find out why he would even begin to threaten anyone at the VA......I'm sure he's a VET and served our country. Maybe he needs more help that JUST meds that the VA sends to these VETS. I have seen SO many meds given out to these men and women its UNREAL.....it's almost like they wish to keep them low keyed. I know many VETS and YES they have issues or some/most anyways. Give the guy a break and find out the underlined issue he deals with daily. IF YOU HAVE NEVER been to war or known anyone that did server and hear the horror they dealt and deal with then maybe visit a VA hospital or VA center and LISTEN....and i mean REALLY LISTEN to these good people. There has to be someehing more than him JUST being mean. They are great men and women and I'm saddened by the way they are handling the story of this man! Hopefully you will get the help you really need and not just a bunch of meds from them to keep you so doped up that would make you even do such. My prayers are with this VET ...we have so many homeless and under cared for Vets in this country it makes me SICK! Find them...feed them...help them with the proper help.....NOT just meds! GOD BLESS THIS MAN!