Walkerton Police Department beefing up security after threats

The owners of Memories Pizza in Walkerton, Indiana are getting backlash for agreeing with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

In an interview Crystal O'Connor did with the Blaze Radio and TV Network on Wednesday, she said she is afraid to come out of her house.

She even went as far as saying the family might leave Indiana altogether.

It is an issue that Walkerton Police are dealing with; Assistant Police Chief Charles Kulp said the way people are behaving is unacceptable.

“We're a small town and don't like to be in the limelight for negative reasons,” said Charles Kulp, the Assistant Police Chief for Walkerton Police Department.

Walkerton, Indiana is home to just over 2,000 people.

“I don't know if we will reopen, if we can,” said Crystal O'Connor to Blaze Christian Radio.

She owns Memories Pizza in Walkerton with other family members.

O'Connor told ABC57 that she agreed with Indiana's newly adopted RFRA.

“If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding we would have to say no,” said O'Connor to ABC57.

After that interview, she said she is afraid to step outside of her house.

Kulp said it should not be that way.

“There's a proper forum with disagreeing, with anything. Breaking the law is not the proper form,” said Kulp.

The police department is monitoring activity on social media, concerned for their citizens.

“We've had other businesses call concerned with the well-being of their businesses,” said Kulp.

Police said a prime example is what ABC57 captured from the twitter page of Concord High School's Girl's Golf Head Coach.

Jessica Dooley Tweeted, “Who's going to Walkerton, IN to burn down #memoriespizza w me? Agree with #FreedomofReligion bill? “That's a lifestyle they CHOOSE” Ignorant”

Police said it is a threat of arson they are not taking lightly.

Dooley has already been suspended from the school.

“We have investigated her, we have talked to her and we have submitted a criminal case against her in this manner,” said Kulp.

The department also believes increased patrol on the streets is necessary.

“We've called in additional police officers; additional units are on patrol just to be here for the peace of mind of the citizen,” said Kulp.

Walkerton Police have submitted their case to St. Joseph County prosecutors.