ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WWJ) -- A Detroit man is facing two felony charges, including the false report or threat of terrorism, for threatening to shoot police in a social media video posted in the spring.
Authorities say they were alerted to Snapchat video back in March 2019 that showed a man holding handgun and making statements that he was going to shoot police officers. The video was recorded as he was driving by officers, paramedics and firefighters, who were working on the scene of a car crash near Greenfield and Normandy roads in Royal Oak.
Royal Oak police say their detectives immediately began to review the video to identify the suspects involved. After months of investigation, 28-year-old Martin Fitzgerald Gisstennal was identified by investigators as the suspect who was holding the gun and speaking in the video.
Gisstennal was arraigned Saturday, Aug. 10, facing one count of false report or threat of terrorism, a felony which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Gisstennal is also facing one count of carrying a concealed weapon, a felony that carries up to five years in prison.
Gisstennall's criminal history includes convictions for driving with a suspended license, according to police.
His bond was set at $25,000, cash/surety, no 10%. His next scheduled court date is Aug. 19 in 44th District Court.
