Threat Prompts Lockdown at Mayo Clinic Albert Lea Hospital

Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News) - An Albert Lea man is facing a felony charge for allegedly making a threat that prompted a temporary lockdown at the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital on Thursday.

According to the criminal complaint, Albert Lea police responded to a report of threats directed at the health care center. Mayo Clinic security personnel informed the responding officer that a man whose mother was in the emergency room became upset over plans to move her to the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital.

Upset About His Mother's Transfer

Mayo security indicated the man left the facility and that a call was later received from a man who threatened to “shoot up the ER” if his mother was moved. The threat prompted a lockdown of the entire facility.

Freeborn County jail photo

The court document says police spoke with the person who answered the call, who was able to identify the phone number used to make it. Officers then called the number, and Sky LaMont Christiansen, 37, answered the phone.

Admitted to Call But Denied Threats

The criminal complaint says Christiansen admitted he made the call and said he overreacted, but denied threatening to shoot or kill anyone. Albert Lea police then went to his location and arrested him. While he was being transported to the Freeborn County Jail, the court document says Christiansen stated that he believed he was speaking to a recording rather than a person.

Christiansen is charged with one felony count of threats of violence and a gross misdemeanor count of harassment.

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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth