A man is behind bars in Hamilton after being accused of making a mass shooting threat.
Austin Jace Fugleberg is charged with felony intimidation after he “communicated a threat of a disaster that would endanger life or property,” according to court documents.
Prosecutors say that at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 law enforcement spoke with Fugleberg at his sister's home Lolo after making a threatening comment to his social worker stating that “[i]f you see me on the 10 o'clock news for shooting a bunch of people I'm sorry."
Court papers state that at approximately the same time, employees at the Town Pump South, in Lolo – where Fugleberg worked -- called to report that Fugleberg had made comments that he was going to kill other people until he was killed.
Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Troy Rexin went to Fugleberg’s residence where Fugleberg admitted to making the comment to his social worker, according to court documents.
He also said that he was frustrated about being homeless, not having any money, and not being able to get any help or assistance. Court documents further state that Fugleberg said he was intoxicated when he made the comment, that he was having some mental health problems, and requested assistance.
Rexin then took Fugleberg was then taken to St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula to be evaluated.
Prosecutors say after Rexin left St. Patrick's Hospital, he learned that a Missoula County deputy had been flagged down at the Town Pump South in Lolo by an employee who said Fugleberg stated, “I have a .410 shotgun and will go to the Ravalli County Fair and shoot people until I get shot.”
The Hamilton Police Department later contacted Fugleberg and told him that he would be arrested if he attempted to enter the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Fugleberg told authorities he had no intention of going to Hamilton or the Fairgrounds.
During a follow up investigation on Aug. 24, Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Jason Liechty confirmed the information previously reported to Hamilton police, and also was able to confirm Fugleberg had been treated for severe alcoholism on Aug. 16.
Court documents state Fugleberg “was released the same day, apparently without a mental health evaluation having ever been completed.”
Fugleberg told Liechty on Aug. 24 that he had been treated for severe alcoholism, but that he had not received a mental health evaluation. The defendant also denied making any statements about the Ravalli County Fair.
After consulting with Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott -- and with help from the Montana Highway Patrol -- Fugleberg was then arrested for felony intimidation.
The Ravalli County jail roster shows that Fugleberg is being held on a $50,000 bond.
