BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A 31-year-old Battle Creek man was arraigned Friday on charges related to offering money for murder via social media.
Jonothon Allen was arraigned on charges of solicitation to commit murder, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, and carrying a concealed weapon. He is in the Calhoun County Jail.
According to the Battle Creek Police Department, Allen was arrested around 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 8. Earlier that morning, police were made aware that Allen sent social media messages to another person, claiming that he would pay that person a specific amount of money to kill a Battle Creek resident.
Two police detectives responded to the potential victim’s home, in the area of Carl Avenue, to speak to the victim about the situation. After speaking with the victim, detectives got into their vehicle and started to leave the area, but then saw Allen in the area of the victim’s home.
The detectives watched Allen pull a Halloween mask from his backpack and put it on his head. They approached Allen at that time and took him into custody. When they searched his backpack, they found a large kitchen knife.
