Former Crestview area man accused of threatening police officers on Facebook

Dat Tran

CRESTVIEW — A former Crestview area resident is accused of threatening Crestview police officers and various residents.

A Facebook member, who identified himself as Stephen Tran, recently threatened physical violence against Crestview police officers and threatened other citizens who posted on or shared messages from the Crestview Police Department.

In addition, Tran made allegations against officers.

After an investigation, subpoenas were served on the Facebook account of the member identifying himself as Stephen Tran.

Dat Tran, a former Crestview resident who recently moved to Biloxi, was connected to the account, according to a Crestview police media release.

CPD investigators, in conjunction with the Biloxi Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Tran at his place of business around 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16. In addition, search warrants were executed on his vehicle and also his residence.

Authorities arrested and delivered Tran into the custody of the Harrison County Detention Facility in Biloxi Mississippi. He was charged with two felony counts of Making Written Threats to Kill or Commit Bodily Harm Against Law Enforcement Officers.

Additional charges are expected in this case.

Tran awaits extradition back to Florida to face these charges.

"The Crestview Police Department takes threats and allegations of this nature very seriously," CPD stated in a media release. "Persons who use social media for illegal activities, threats or accusations, often believe they are anonymous or that their true identities cannot be discovered.

"As this case demonstrates, Investigators will pursue all avenues to bring criminals such as this to justice."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Former Crestview area man accused of threatening police officers on Facebook