From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham Police detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for a Gardendale man after he made a violent threat on Facebook towards a Birmingham Business. The investigation was initiated on Saturday, January 20, according to Officer Truman Fitzgerald.
The suspect has been identified as Deandre Jones, 27, of Gardendale, according to Fitzgerald. Birmingham police arrested him in Trussville on Wednesday.
“At around 7:30 p.m., South Precinct officers were dispatched to the Upside Down Plaza Bar, located at 2012 Magnolia Avenue, after staff reported a person made a threat on social media to ‘shoot up’ the location,” Fitzgerald said.
Officers arrived on the scene and then spoke with Upside Down Plaza staff members. The staff members stated they were made aware of a person making threats of violence towards people at the location. Staff members informed our officers the person had been banned from the bar days prior to this incident.
According to screenshots provided by BPD, Jones posted, “I love the world so much that I’m willing to sacrifice myself and as many people as I need to make sure this world can be a better one.”
Patrol officers observed the social media post and then completed a report on the incident. Patrol officers also contacted the Felony Assault Unit to investigate the threat. That same day, Felony Assault detectives contacted the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
On Monday, January 22, 2024, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant for making a terrorist threat first degree for Jones.
Jones was arrested in Trussville by the BPD Crime Reduction Team on Wednesday. Patrol officers transported him to BPD Headquarters where he was interviewed by Felony Assault detectives. Officers then transported Jones to the Jefferson County Jail.
Jones is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail and has a $15,000 bond.