Postal Worker’s Rocket Threat Thwarted

ELMIRA, N.Y. — A postal worker was arrested on charges he threatened to bring a rocket launcher to work the day he was notified of a termination hearing.

Dale P. Sheehan, who had worked for the Postal Service for 12 years, told a judge a change in his medication for manic depression led to the episode Wednesday.

Sheehan, 48, telephoned the processing and distribution center where he worked and identified himself as “Son of Sam” David Berkowitz and a “psycho killer,” police said. He also allegedly said: “Do you guys want me to come down and show you my new rocket launcher?”

Sheehan was charged with aggravated harassment.

Sheehan had been on leave for poor work performance and had just received a letter notifying him that he faced a hearing on whether he should be fired.