Christopher Gillum, of Chapel Hill, N.C., was taken into custody around 6:40 p.m. at a hotel at 1625 Scenic Highway 98 in Destin by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Credit: OCSO
DESTIN, Florida — A North Carolina man wanted by Louisiana authorities for making terroristic threats to carry out a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival was arrested without incident Wednesday evening in Okaloosa County after local deputies used the county’s Flock camera system to track him down.
Christopher Gillum, of Chapel Hill, N.C., was taken into custody around 6:40 p.m. at a hotel at 1625 Scenic Highway 98 in Destin by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He faces charges in Orleans Parish related to threats to commit a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans, authorities said.
Investigators received information that Gillum was traveling through Okaloosa County on his way to Louisiana. Using the county’s Flock license-plate recognition cameras, deputies confirmed his presence in the area and quickly located him at the hotel.
A search of Gillum’s hotel room turned up a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition, according to the sheriff’s office.
Gillum is being held in the Okaloosa County Jail pending extradition to Louisiana. No injuries or incidents were reported during the arrest.
“This disturbing case highlights how technology like FLOCK and strong partnerships between agencies can help prevent potential violence and bring wanted fugitives into custody safely before a tragedy could occur,” Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said in a statement posted on Facebook.
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