Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill employee arrested on 'threats of terrorism,' police say

Jonathan G. Keck arraigned on one count of making a terrorist threat

ARMADA, Mich. – A man from St. Clair Shores was taken into custody after being accused of making a terrorist threat Wednesday against Blake's Apple Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada.

NEW: Blake's Cider Mill worker charged with making terrorist threat

The cider mill is a staple in Macomb County and has never had an issue until Wednesday.

Police said Jonathan Keck, 29, became angry after being told to work on the plumbing of a urinal and threatened to shoot the place up.

ORIGINAL STORY: Michigan State Police investigating 'terrorist threat' at Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill

The owners said Keck was well-liked by the rest of the staff and they weren't sure if he was serious, so they contacted the police to be safe. Paul Blake, one of the owners, said he wishes Keck well, but feels like they made the right call.

Jonathan Keck (WDIV)

"With the environment today, with what's been going on, how could you not do what we did?" Blake asked. "You don't have a choice. You have to come forward. I think this will help bring other businesses an awareness that they need to report things like this before it happens."

Police went to Keck's St. Clair Shores home, where police said he made further threats directed at the customers of Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill. Keck is being held at the Macomb County Jail.

Blake said the safety of their employees and guests is the mill's top priority and if something similar were to happen again, they would have done the same thing. 

"I hope that people will see we're proactive," Blake said. "We're as safe today as we were a week ago."

Terrorist charge issued

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office is charging Keck with one count of making a terrorist threat, a 20-year felony. Bond was listed at $100,000 cash. He is to have no contact with Blake's Orchard.


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.