Maryland police say they thwarted a plot for what could have beeen a "violent episode" by a man who called himself "a joker' --- the last part a reference to a recent shooting rampage at a Batman movie in Coloroado.

Prince George's County Police Chief Mark Magaw says 28-year-old Neil Edwin Prescott was taken into custody overnight after reportedly threatening his co-workers.

SOUNDBITE: Prince George's County Police Chief Mark Magaw saying:

"He said, 'I'm a joker, and I'm going to load my guns and blow everyone up."

The allusion to the Colorado massacre that left 12 people dead and injured dozens prompted police to file an emergency petition and detain Prescott.

Some of the weapons found in his apartment. No charges have been brought against Prescott

Deborah Gembara, Reuters