Jewish Man Accused of Threatening Sandy Springs Synagogue

The Sandy Springs Police Department is asking the public to help them track down a possibly armed man who has threatened a local synagogue. 

Charles B. Cortell, also known as Charles Baruk Shwartz, is wanted on disorderly conduct charges for contacting Congregation Beth Tefillah on High Point Road in person and by way of phone calls, voice mails, email and text messages.

"Though Jewish too, Cortell's message is largely one of hatred toward the Jewish population, and paranoia about certain political and governmental facets," the agency wrote in its be-on-the-lookout alert. "Cortell's behavior and messages have caused great concern to the local Jewish community."

Sandy Springs police states its "primary" goal is to get Cortell in custody so his messages won't escalate to possible acts of violence and for him to be "psychologically evaluated/treat." 

"Though not yet clinically diagnosed, Cortell may have had a mental break, according to those who know him," the agency added. "He seems to suffer delusions of grandeur and may be bipolar or schizophrenic," the agency said.

Cortell, 47, may be in possession of a weapon, which has been previously spotted in the trunk of his vehicle. He is described as white male who stands at 5'10, weighs around 170 pounds and has brown hair and eyes.

Anyone with knowledge of Cortell's whereabouts is asked to call 911, as there are warrants out for the man's arrest on disorderly conduct charges.