Photo: Mayor Brian Colbert
SAN ANSELMO — Several weapons were confiscated from a man recently arrested for allegedly making threats against Mayor Brian Colbert. The suspect has since been released on $150,000 bond.
The Central Marin Police Authority arrested the suspect on May 10. Gerald A. Welty, a 63-year-old resident of San Anselmo, was booked at Marin County Jail.
Authorities received a report that threatening messages were received at San Anselmo Town Hall. In a prepared statement police said. “Voice mail messages were left that threatened physical violence and were racial in nature.”
Mayor Colbert was contacted by officers who established that a crime had occurred. Colbert is the town’s first elected Black mayor. He is also the first elected Black public official in predominantly white Marin County.
A few hours after the threats were made, Welty was identified as the suspect responsible. Specific details concerning his threats were withheld by police.
However, due to the serious nature of the crime, investigators obtained a Gun Violence Restraining Order. It prohibits Welty from possessing a gun or any ammunition.
Police also obtained a warrant to search Welty’s residence. This search turned up several firearms, which were seized from him.
Welty was booked on open charges for making criminal threats of violence with intent to terrorize (422 PC). An additional enhancement which was requested for committing a hate crime is pending.
