Man pleads to threatening officer who investigating arson

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A man charged with arson has pleaded not guilty to threatening a police detective who investigated the fire in Bismarck.

Spencer Norton entered the plea to felony terrorizing Monday before South Central District Judge John Grinsteiner. A Bismarck police detective testified about the alleged threats Norton made during visitations between Norton and his fiancee, who owned the home that was burned.

Authorities say Norton threatened to beat or shoot Bismarck Police Detective Jon Lahr or harm his family for investigating the fire and arresting him.

The Bismarck Tribune says Norton will have separate trials for felony arson and terrorizing in May.

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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com