ARMADA TWP. (WWJ) - A northern Macomb County man has been arraigned on a felony charge of making a false report or threat of terrorism.
Michigan State Police say 52-year-old Paul Norgiel of Armada Township, who works as a custodian in the Armada school district, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
He was arrested Thursday after a witness, now revealed to be a coworker, called police to report Norgiel said he was bored and should go to a business with an AK and 12 rounds. The witness told police because he knew Norgiel owned firearms, he took it as a threat.
Norgiel was arrested, and MSP troopers seized one semi-automatic long gun and one pistol from his home.
MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw told WWJ that the business mentioned was a local Walmart.
"I don't believe there's one actually in Armada, but there is one pretty close," Shaw said. "I believe Flint is the closest one."
Armada Schools released the following statement regarding the incident:
"Attention parents and community members, this is an important message from the Armada Area Schools. Earlier today one of our custodians reported some troubling comments made by a colleague. The State and local police were contacted, and subsequent investigation led to the State Police taking the suspect into custody. While the comments were possibly made in a joking manner and were not directed at students, the school, or any district personnel, we err on the side of caution and report any potential safety concerns to the proper authorities for further investigation.
"Recent events highlight the importance of reporting any concerning behavior or comments one might hear. We encourage all of our students, staff, and community members to report these incidents and we commend the state and local police for their diligence in investigating every report. Also, please share with your students the importance of appropriate use of social media as well. We take these reports very seriously and will continue to work with the local authorities to make Armada Area Schools as safe as possible."
It's unclear at this time if Norgiel is still employed with the district.
He appeared via video in 42-1 District Court Friday, posted a $10,000 bond and was released as he awaits a probable cause hearing set for Aug. 20.
Police said his weapons will remain with MSP through the court process.
Shaw wants to remind the public that threatening to harm others is never just a joke.
"You do not have to have the ability to carry out that threat; you just need to make that threat," Shaw said. "So we're telling people the making jokes about mass shootings and bomb threats and those types of things...that's not going to be tolerated in Michigan."
Anyone can report a threat anonymously by calling 855-MICH-TIP. In an emergency, dial 911.