STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has announced very serious charges against a teenager in connection with an incident at a popular community event.
According to police, multiple fireworks were tossed into crowds of people at the Sterlingfest Art & Music Festival, this past Friday.
One was thrown at people in the carnival area, officials said, spooking a K9 and injuring a police officer whose arm was cut and burned.
A second device was thrown near the BP gas station into a group of people as they were leaving the festival.
Authorities said the 16-year-old suspect has been detained and is now facing multiple felonies that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
He is charged with the following three counts:
• Explosives – Placing Near Property Causing Physical Injury, a 25-year felony
• Explosives – Possession with Intent to Terrorize, a 10-year felony
• Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing Causing Injury, a 4-year felony.
The teen is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on August 6.
In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucio made clear that this was not a harmless prank.
"At a community event meant to bring people together, a juvenile allegedly threw mortar fireworks, creating an extremely dangerous situation. We’re taking this matter seriously and will pursue appropriate action,” Lucido said.
The teen's name has not been released, due to his juvenile status.