Reported mass shooting threat results in arrest of Breckenridge man, according to Summit County Sheriff’s Office

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Nathaniel Zabik
Summit County Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy photos

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office stated in a Facebook post Wednesday, Jan. 7, that its deputies arrested a man who reportedly made threats to carry out a mass shooting in Summit County.

Deputies responded to the residence of Nathaniel Zabik on Jan. 7 after receiving reports that Zabik was threatening to kill himself and others. Deputies confirmed Zabik was inside the residence in unincorporated Breckenridge and set up a perimeter to prevent him from leaving during their investigation, the post states. At the same time, detectives reviewed electronic messages Zabik wrote and sent that “detailed plans and a timeline to carry out a mass shooting” in Summit County.

With that information, deputies established probable cause to arrest Zabik. When Zabik tried to leave his residence around 3:20 p.m., deputies arrested him without incident on charges including Inciting destruction of life or property, menacing and harassment.



The Sheriff’s Office “recognized the threat” Zabik posed to Summit County and “acted quickly and decisively to ensure there was no risk to public safety,” according to a quote from Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons included in the post.

The post states the investigation is ongoing and the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will determine formal charges.

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