Ex-Christian camp counselor threatened to 'create the next Columbine shooting' if kids 'piss him off'
Cops arrested Mario Bernal, 23, on Sunday after he allegedly made the threats to campers attending Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, according to Fox 26. A witness reported the threats to cops.
Bernal, of Vernal, Utah, allegedly told the witness he would 'clock himself out' if the Christian camp fired him while threatening to carry out an attack inspired by the deadly 1999 school shooting that left 12 students and one teacher dead, the outlet reported.
And if the camp 'came at him legally,' Bernal allegedly said he would 'not go down by himself.'
3 Mugshot of Mario Bernal, 23, who allegedly made the threats to campers at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas.
Polk County Sheriff's Office
3 Police officers arrested Bernal on Sunday after he allegedly made the disturbing threats.
Livingston Police Department
Camp Cho-Yeh describes itself as 'a place where both youth and adults have grown in their faith and character, while having fun, and helping people grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ,' on its website.
Bernal was working at the camp with his girlfriend, according to Fox 26.
3 Bernal was arrested on Sunday after a witness reported his disturbing statements to officials.
Livingston Police Department
Bernal is also accused of locking children in a hot room as a way to 'discipline' them,' staffers said. He was fired from the camp after his colleagues said they observed the cruelty.
Cops nabbed the ex-counselor after spotting him at the camp's entrance sitting in his car, the Livingston Police Department said in a Facebook post.
'Threats to this community, especially involving our children, will always be taken seriously. I commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Sheriff's Office, as well as the response by our officers,' Livingston police Chief Matt Parrish said in a statement.
The former counselor was charged with a terror threat impeding public service and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
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