Public Works employee accused of making threatening film

He allegedly sent video of gun, text to a co-worker

A Berkeley Public Works employee was arrested Monday after he sent a video to a co-worker depicting him shooting a handgun into the floor of his house, before texting the words “I'm coming,” authorities said in court documents.

Pat Urdahl, 56, was charged with felony criminal threats and possession of a firearm by a felon after authorities say he sent a slew of menacing texts Friday afternoon to a coworker, court documents show. He was being held without bail Wednesday afternoon at the Santa Rita Jail.

A co-worker told police that he was afraid to come to work after getting the messages, all of which were sent from 4 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. Friday, court documents show.

The messages threatened in all capital letters that “if things dont(sic) fixed your done!!!” and told the recipient “(Expletive) you and everyone that had had [sic] something to do with this,” according to the court documents.

Another threatening text from Urdahl was followed up with a picture of a guitar with a bullet hole in it, along with a neon yellow vest issued by Berkeley Public Works and the claim that “I just shot my whole house up.”

That's when authorities say Urdahl sent the video of him firing a gun, followed by the words “I'm coming.”

The following morning, Urdahl texted a supervisor saying he had drank a fifth of whiskey and blacked out. He added that he planned to resign and die by suicide.

It was not clear from court documents how long Urdahl had been working for the city's Public Works

Department, nor in what capacity. A city spokesperson confirmed that Urdahl worked for the city but did not provide any details of his time there. The city declined further comment, beyond stating that “the safety of city residents and employees is the city's top priority,” and that “we are committed to maintaining a safe workplace environment for everyone.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, around-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where a chat is available.