Nationwide — Justin Blietz, a school principal in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been arrested after he allegedly made violent threats toward a woman. The 41-year-old educator faces first-degree harassment charges for allegedly threatening a forcible felony.
Blietz, who serves as the principal of Cedar Rapids Prep, a public charter middle school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was taken into custody Saturday by local authorities.
According to WLBT, a criminal complaint states that Blietz “threatened to slit a woman’s throat and watch her die.” Authorities say the threats meet the state’s definition of first-degree harassment, which covers threatening someone with a forcible felony.
Cedar Rapids Prep confirmed in an email that Blietz has been placed on administrative leave. The school has not shared further information about the incident.
Blietz has 15 years of experience in education, including seven years in leadership roles, according to the school’s website. Officials have not released additional details about the ongoing investigation.