The Zion Times

By: Sachet A. Carter | The Zion Times
A Cedar City man was arrested Saturday evening after police say he made statements about destroying buildings and causing mass casualties during an approximately two-and-a-half-hour conversation with a counselor through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Kristian Geoffrey Berry, 40, was arrested Aug. 29 and booked into the Iron County Jail on suspicion of third-degree felony terrorism with intent to interrupt or occupy a building, public place or transportation facility, and misdemeanor terrorism with intent to cause an emergency agency to act.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in 5th District Court, officers were notified that a man identifying himself as Kristian was communicating with a 988 crisis counselor and said he was at a library within the 84721 ZIP code. Investigators reported that information associated with the man’s IP address was linked to the Utah Education Network.

During the conversation, police allege Berry made multiple statements about destroying buildings and causing mass casualties. The affidavit states Berry told the counselor he had “urgent thoughts” about destroying a military-related factory in Utah that manufactures missiles and wanted to “completely eliminate” the building using what he described as “onsite vulnerabilities” and “whatever is there to use.”

According to the affidavit, Berry allegedly stated that if people were inside the facility when it was destroyed, he was okay with them being harmed or killed. He reportedly also discussed starting a fire at a separate building as a distraction for law enforcement. Police say Berry described pulling the fire alarms to evacuate the building before using lighters to set it on fire. The affidavit also states Berry expressed a desire to get rid of government agencies. 

While officers were attempting to locate Berry, police received a separate report of a suspicious person sitting outside a library using a laptop. The caller described the individual as wearing a green jacket and tan pants. An officer responded and located a man matching that description outside the library.

According to the affidavit, when officers approached, Berry asked whether they were with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), which pairs mental health professionals with peer specialists to respond to individuals experiencing a crisis. Berry then identified himself as Kristian and allegedly acknowledged that he had been communicating with 988 approximately 15 minutes before officers arrived.

Police say Berry was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with officers. During that interview, Berry allegedly admitted wanting to start a fire to create a distraction so others could carry out an attack. When officers asked whether he had made the statements reported by the 988 counselor, Berry allegedly acknowledged that he had.

Berry was arrested by Cedar City Police and booked into the Iron County Jail at approximately 8:19 p.m. Saturday.

INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.