Threatening To Blow Up Officers Sends Claremore Man To Prison

A Claremore man is going to prison for 20 years after threatening to blow up four police officers inside his house. The Claremore officers were trying to serve Chris Coats with a warrant when he barricaded himself in his bathroom.

When officers tried to arrest him, Coats cut a gas line, held up a lighter and threatened to light it. Coats is an ex-con with an extensive criminal history.

The Rogers County District Attorney's office said they take it very seriously when someone threatens an officer's life.

10/28/2014 Related Story: Police: Neighbors Evacuated When Claremore Man Threatens To Blow Up Home

"They were put in fear for their lives when he threatened to light the gas line, and given his history, I think 20 years is a just sentence - maybe even a little light," said Tony Evans, assistant district attorney in Rogers County.

Police hope this sends a strong message to anyone thinking of trying to hurt officers in the future.