Man accused of making terrorist threats against Valley hotel, school

PHOENIX — Phoenix police charged a man with making separate terrorist threats to a Phoenix hotel and elementary school on Feb. 21 and 24.

The man, 24-year-old Alex David Neriz, was initially apprehended by Tempe police and was booked into jail two days after the second threat. In interviews with detectives, he confessed to the threats, both of which authorities said were of “mass shootings.”

What were the details surrounding the terrorist threats?

Officers on Feb. 21 responded to a distress call from an unnamed hotel claiming Neriz threatened to kill many in building. Once at the hotel, Phoenix police secured the area to prevent “immediate threat.” Detectives were then provided background information on the case for further investigation.

Three days later, Phoenix police were alerted about another mass shooting threat by Neriz, this time targeted at an elementary school. The school placed itself under lockdown when officers arrived. After the area was secured and officers conducted a thorough search, the school was “deemed safe,” according to authorities. Detectives took over for further investigation.

Neriz was charged with multiple counts of making terrorist attacks.

No other information was provided.

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