Dispatcher Threatened

Marietta (Ohio) dispatcher Joe Gebczyk was first on the death threat list of Leonard Carpenter, 63, who is now on trail for making that threat and others against officers. During the preliminary hearing, Gebczyk testified, “He said ‘I want to kill you first because you’re the one that keeps sending police after me.'” Four officers also took the stand to recount how Carpenter had threatened to kill them, their families and to burn down their homes. Carpenter’s attorney said his client was intoxicated, and his threats should not be taken seriously. The judge bound Carpenter over for trial. He faces up to 28 years in prison if convicted.