BELLVILLE MAN JAILED FOR ‘SOCIAL MEDIA’ THREATS

  

A Bellville man has been arrested after making threatening comments on social media involving a Bellville Police officer.

55-year old Curtis Wess Wallace, was arrested Thursday on felony charges of Retalliation.

According to the Bellville Police Department, the comments were threatening in nature and identified the officer, his address, and included photos.  Various threats were also posted by Wallace in which he included all law enforcement personnel.

Members of the Austin County Special Response Team, and assisting patrol units, arrested Wallace without incident in Bellville.

Lt. Jason Smalley, with the Bellville Police Department, said that the police department, along with the Texas Rangers, launched an investigation after information about Wallace's postings started pouring in from concerned citizens just hours after he made the posts.

Lt. Smalley stated that while the department “…respects everyone's first amendment right to freedom of speech, it still doesn't give one the right to threaten the safety of any individual, and in this case, Wallace crossed the line".

Lt. Smalley went on to say that law enforcement takes all threats very serious, whether they be direct or indirect, and that they greatly appreciate the public for notifying the police immediately about the threats.

Wallace is being held in the Austin County Jail on a $25,000 bond.