Man threatens roommates with ax because thermostat was set too low: Cops

Authorities in Nebraska say a man is in police custody on suspicion of making threats of violence against his roommates during a dispute over the temperature in their shared residence.

According to the New York Post, 46-year-old John Crane was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he wielded an ax early Wednesday morning as he made terroristic threats against the couple with whom he lived.

Authorities responded to the home near 26th Street and Y Street in Lincoln in response to reports of the incident.

Upon their arrival investigators determined that the argument stemmed from a disagreement over the thermostat setting.

“He said it was too cold upstairs and wanted the heat on,” said Lincoln police officer Angela Sands. “The male and female couple were sleeping in bed at the time.”

Local police announced the arrest in a Facebook post this week.

“Witnesses reported 46-year-old John Crane was intoxicated and threatening his roommates,” the Lincoln Police Department posted Thursday. “The roommates reported they were in bed when Crane entered the room with an axe and told them to get out.”

Police say the male victim “wrestled Crane to the ground and held him until officers arrived on scene.”

Reports indicate no one was injured in the altercation.

As of the latest updates available, the suspect remained behind bars. He is expected to face charges including making terroristic threats and using a weapon to commit a felony.

Court records indicated he was set to appear before a judge on Thursday.

[Featured image: John Crane, Lincoln Police Department]