Philadelphia

‘Armed and Dangerous' Man Accused of Threatening Philadelphia Police and Water Dept. Found Dead

The body of 31-year-old Michael John Altomari was discovered inside his pickup truck on the 8200 block of Verree Road

An "armed and dangerous" man accused of threatening violence against officers as well as employees at the Philadelphia Water Department was found dead Saturday night.

The body of 31-year-old Michael John Altomari was discovered inside his pickup truck on the 8200 block of Verree Road. He was pronounced dead at 6:57 p.m. Investigators said it appears he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The search for Altomari began around 1 a.m. Saturday when police responded to the 4000 block of Teesdale Street in Philadelphia's Mayfair neighborhood. When they arrived, they found Altomari's girlfriend, who told police they had an argument a few minutes earlier and she was concerned about his wellbeing, investigators said.

The woman told investigators Altomari made threats against his former employer, the Philadelphia Water Department, and also threatened that if police interfered, "they would have consequences also" and that he would "shoot it out with the police."

Altomari loaded up several firearms in a duffel bag before leaving the home around 12:50 a.m., according to investigators.

Around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, police confirmed that Altomari was found dead.

Altomari's neighbor, Theresa McBride, told NBC10 he had been going through some personal problems.

"They just had a baby. She's a sweetheart," McBride said. "He just lost his dad and his mother is gone. I can't believe that it's happening. He was a very good boy. Always helped me."

No other injuries were reported in connection to the incident.

michael altomari car split 10192019
Philadelphia Police Department
Michael John Altomari. See larger image here.

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