ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – A Macomb County man is being held on a $5 million bond after he was charged in connection with an alleged plan to attack a school, officials said.
Joel Edwards, 20, of St. Clair Shores, was charged with the following, according to a release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office:
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- Intentional threat to commit an act of violence against school, school employees or students with specific intent to carry it out or an overt act toward it (10-year felony)
- Using a computer to commit a crime (10-year felony)
- Felony firearm (2-year felony consecutive to main charge)
The charges follow an investigation and welfare check carried out by St. Clair Shores police.
The investigation began after the FBI alerted state police about TikTok videos allegedly linked to Edwards that “expressed a desire to carry out a mass shooting.”
During the investigation, authorities reportedly found weapons in Edwards’ possession.
“Edwards was taken into custody and held for a mental health evaluation,” according to the release. “Since Sept. 25, 2025, he has been held at the Macomb County Jail after being sentenced for violating a term of his probation.”
Edwards was previously charged and sentenced to jail time on an assault and battery charge earlier this year, according to court records.
He was arraigned on Friday, Dec. 5, and his bond was set at $5 million. He was also referred to get a mental health evaluation.
If Edwards posts bond and is released, he must wear a GPS tether and is ordered to be under home confinement.
He also can’t have any contact with any school building or student, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Edwards is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, Dec. 16, for a probable cause conference and on Friday, Dec. 19, for a preliminary examination.
Here’s a statement from Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido:
“Earlier today, a young man was arraigned following his arrest connected to an alleged plan to carry out an act of violence against a school. This is a deeply disturbing situation, and we understand the fear it may cause within our community. Based on the information received and available to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
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. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan State Police, and St. Clair Shores Police Departments are to be commended.
As with any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges filed at arraignment mark the beginning of the legal process, and our office will continue to proceed accordingly."
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido