BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Beckley man is facing charges after allegedly threatening to blow up a Rent-A-Center store in response to a promotional text message.
On May 1, 2025, Beckley Police responded to Rent-A-Center on Robert C. Byrd Drive following a report of threatening messages. Store staff said an automated marketing text was sent to a customer, later identified as Alexzander Williams. Moments later, Williams allegedly replied with a message stating, “I will blow your f—ing store up if you text me one more time.” When the system responded automatically, Williams followed up with “I’m not joking.”
Store employees manually opted Williams out of future texts, but he quickly replied again, effectively opting himself back in. He continued sending messages, prompting staff to report the incident to police.
Later that day, officers interviewed Williams at the police department. He admitted to sending the threatening messages, claiming he was frustrated by frequent spam texts and had been drinking. He told officers, “In my head it’s just spam… nobody reads that,” and added, “What am I going to blow it up with?”
The case was reviewed by the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney, who found sufficient evidence to pursue charges. A warrant for terroristic threats was issued.
The investigation remains ongoing.
