A former Omaha mayoral communications director and local meteorologist was arrested after he allegedly threatened to lynch or slit the throat of Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour.

Ronald "Gerard" Penzkowski, 57, of Omaha is in the Douglas County jail booked on charges of making online terroristic threats relating to the coronavirus pandemic and stalking Dr. Pour.

Penzkowski, who also goes by the name "Ron Gerard," was communication director for Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle from 2009-2010. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was a meteorologist for KETV and KPTM.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to give details about the arrest and the allegations against Penzkowski.

DCSO revealed during the update that Penzkowski had sent 15 emails to Dr. Pour threatening her life during the span of a week.

Investigators say his motives appeared to be aimed at decisions made by Dr. Pour when it comes to social distancing and the economic costs that come with it.