Crime

Sheriff Mike Chitwood Greets Second Death Threat Suspect at Airport

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Friday confronted Tyler Meyer at the Daytona Beach International Airport, as Meyer was brought to jail for death threats against Chitwood. It's the second time in recent months he's done so to someone who's allegedly threatened his life, both in response to vows by Chitwood to fight anti-Semitism in Volusia County.

Meyer was arrested in San Diego, California on March 31st after a post on the online forum 4chan was attributed to him, reading: "It's too bad Mike Chitwood isn't safe now that I'm planning to kill him. I'm going to shoot Mike Chitwood. I'm going to kill him by shooting him to death."

The post was picked up by the FBI, who tied it to Meyer. After some questioning, Meyer is said to have admitted to making the statement. He was extradited from San Diego to Volusia County last week, and is now held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on $100,000 bond.

"Tyler, I'm Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood," the Sheriff said to Meyer as he came down an airport escalator. "Welcome to Volusia County, Florida. Enjoy your stay." Meyer had nothing to say aside from a quick "thank you" before he was taken away.

Along with Meyer, charges have also been brought against New Jersey's Richard Golden and Connecticut's Cristhian Zapata for threats against Chitwood, all associated with far-right extremist causes.