After a West Orange man was asked to leave the Cranford Municipal Court, he referenced Osama Bin Laden and threatened to shoot a police officer. The man also made a verbal threat to blow up the building, according to authorities.
Shortly before 7:30 p.m. police went to investigate why a man, (later identified as "Ellis") was yelling in the hallway outside the municipal court, Sgt. Gerard P. Quinn said.
Officers located Ellis verbally abusing court staff, using profanity, and interfering with other persons’ ability to pay fines and handle court matters, added the sergeant.
Ellis was asked to leave the building and was escorted from the property.
Upon reaching the exit doorway, Ellis turned and referenced Osama Bin Laden while he threatened to return to shoot the officers and blow up the building, Quinn said.
Officers advised Ellis that he would be placed under arrest for making threatening statements but Ellis fled on foot through the municipal parking lot.
He was arrested at a nearby gas station lot on Springfield Avenue.
Ellis was processed and transported to the Union County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.
His bail was set at $25000.
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