An Anderson man is in custody after Indiana State Police say he made multiple threats against a state-level elected official ahead of a public event.

Investigators allege John Allen Hines, 51, left several voicemails and made a phone call threatening to shoot the official.

Detective Ian Matthews of the Indiana State Police reported that law enforcement was notified March 19 of threats made against a state-level elected official ahead of a scheduled public event in Sullivan.

Authorities coordinated additional security measures for the event, including law enforcement presence at the venue, after learning of the alleged threats.

The elected official told investigators he received a phone call from a man who identified himself as Hines and allegedly threatened to kill him by shooting him and “blowing his head off,” according to the affidavit.

Investigators later learned the official had also received multiple voicemail messages from Hines prior to the call. In one message, Hines allegedly stated he would “come put a pistol” to the official’s head.

A second individual, described as a former law enforcement officer and public official, also reported receiving a call from Hines. During that call, Hines allegedly stated that if the individual was present when he carried out the threat, he would kill both men.

Police identified Hines through investigative means, including phone records and vehicle tracking data. Authorities determined Hines was not present at the public event, but officers remained on-site to provide security.

On March 20, investigators collected the voicemail messages as evidence.

A warrant for Hines’ arrest was issued out of Greene County Superior Court on March 20. He was taken into custody the same day in Madison County and is currently being held in the Madison County Jail.