ST CLAIR SHORES (WWJ) -- A St. Clair Shores man was arraigned on multiple charges related to an alleged school attack plot.
St. Clair Shores Police officers conducted both a cyberthreat investigation and welfare check on 20-year-old Joel Edwards on Sept. 13, according to a press release from Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido.
Weapons were allegedly found in his possession. Authorities said Edwards was taken into custody and held on a mental health evaluation. He has been at the Macomb County Jail since Sept. 25 after being sentenced for a probation violation.
The investigation was prompted after the FBI contacted the Michigan State Police about videos posted to Tik Tok that were allegedly associated with Edwards. The videos reportedly “expressed a desire to carry out a mass shooting.” The Michigan State Police then contacted St. Clair Shores Police.
Lucido said there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Edwards was arraigned in the 40th District Court on Friday. He was charged with schools – intentional threat to commit act of violence against school, school employees or students with specific intent to carry out or overt act toward, a 10-year-felony, computers – using to commit a crime, a 10-year felony, and weapons felony firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to the main charge.
Edwards’ bond was set at $5 million. He was also referred for a mental health evaluation. Edwards must wear a GPS tether and is subject to home confinement if bond is posted. He is barred from having contact with any school building or student.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the law enforcement agencies whose swift, coordinated and highly professional efforts brought this situation to light and ensured that no one was harmed,” Lucido said. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan State Police and St. Clair Shores Police Departments are to be commended.”
His probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 16 and his preliminary exam is set for Dec. 19.