Tarpon Springs Detective Resigns For Making Threatening Comments

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — A Tarpon Springs Police detective has resigned after being accused of making threatening statements toward the police department.

According to police, Detective Steve Bergren stated in front of witnesses on Aug. 5 that there would be an active shooter situation at the police department if he did not get an assignment to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Countywide Narcotics Task Force.

Witnesses reported that the statement was made "in a stoic manner" and Bergren never indicated that he was joking.

He was placed on administrative leave Aug. 6 and the investigation was launched. During the investigation, officials discovered that Bergren made a similar statement around May 10 when the internal selection process for the task force began.

Bergren resigned on Sept. 19 prior to a scheduled interview with internal affairs investigators. He submitted a letter taking responsibility for making the comment, adding that the comments were made in jest but, on reflection, he realizes they were in poor taste.

The investigation concluded his actions constituted conduct unbecoming a police officer, which would have resulted in him being fired if he had not resigned.