Unhappy that an audit showed him owing taxes to the state and angrier still that a Department of Revenue manager supported the finding, a South St. Paul man is alleged to have told the woman by phone: "Maybe I will just do a [expletive] drive-by," authorities say.
Big mistake, if the State Patrol proves its case against Stephen E. Morris, and over a seemingly small amount of money: $181.44.
But Morris, 55, a maker of custom pool cues who now faces two terroristic-threat charges in connection with the incident Wednesday, said that the figure represents more than 40 percent of his profits in 2005 -- the year in question -- if one were to average out the $1,224.89 in total profits that he says he made in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Besides, Morris added, he never actually threatened anyone with a drive-by shooting, he just said: "I feel like doing a [expletive] drive-by," he said Monday.
He has acknowledged, however, that he caused alarm. According to the criminal complaint, when the State Patrol came to his door a few hours after the phone conversation, Morris told the troopers he'd expected them to arrive "a lot sooner."
Authorities responded to the alleged threat by having "roving patrols" of the department's building, by requiring employees to exit through a tunnel and by closing all first-floor window blinds. Lt. Mark Langer, a State Patrol spokesman, said when a specific threat is made, "we're obligated to take action." He believed the precautions were in place until employees left the building Wednesday.
Morris, who contends he's been wrongly accused of owing back taxes, made his initial Ramsey County District Court appearance Friday and is scheduled to appear next on April 10.
As for the $181.44, he said, the check's in the mail.
