St. Clair Shores man arraigned for Intentional Threat to Commit Act of Violence Against a School

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 20-year-old Joel Edwards, of St. Clair Shores, MI, was arraigned on charges related to an alleged plan to attack a school. 

On Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, St. Clair Shores Police conducted a cyberthreat investigation and welfare check on Edwards. The investigation was allegedly started after the FBI contacted Michigan State Police about Tic Tok videos allegedly associated to Edwards that expressed a desire to carry out a mass shooting. The MSP contacted St. Clair Shores Police. It is alleged that weapons were found in Edwards’ possession. Edwards was taken into custody where he was held for a mental health evaluation. Since Sept. 25, 2025, he has been held at the Macomb County Jail after being sentenced for violating a term of his probation. 

On Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, Edwards was arraigned before Judge Joseph Craigen Oster in the 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores, MI on the following charges:

• 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,
• Weapons Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony consecutive to main charge.

Judge Oster set Edwards bond at $5 million dollars. He was referred for a mental health evaluation. If bond is posted, Edwards must wear a GPS tether and is subject to home confinement. He can have no contact with any school building or school student. He is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 at 8:30 a.m and a Preliminary Exam on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Oster at the 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores, MI. 

Statement from Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. 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.

We will provide additional updates as they become available.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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