Man accused of making threats has been identified

A White Pigeon man who allegedly threatened courthouse staff last week has been identified by authorities.

Lawrence Rice, 64, faces weapons and terrorism charges following threats made to courthouse employees, including District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. The alleged threats were phoned to the courthouse and the Centreville site was secured for about 90 minutes Friday morning, authorities said.

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Zachary Zuk said deputies eventually arrested Rice. He was found to be in possession of a firearm, according to sheriff’s department officials.

Rice is charged with making terrorist threats, deputies said.

A special prosecutor will likely step in to handle the case, as witnesses in the case are county employees, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.