On March 6, 2018 the Sterling Heights Police Department was made aware of threats to the Henry Ford II High School.
A student from Mohegan High School in Clinton Township. reported seeing a social media posting that indicated an attack at Henry Ford II High School. This attack was to occur on March 8, 2018.
The threat indicated that it would be of similar nature of the attack that occurred in Parkland Florida. An immediate investigation was done by the Sterling Heights Detective Bureau, and Officers from the Community Response Unit searched and located the 17 year old suspect, and arrested him without incident. The suspect who is identified as Ethan McElrath is a resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan. This suspect is not currently, nor has ever been a student at Henry Ford II High School. McElrath has been arraigned on charges of making threats of domestic terrorism, which is a felony, and if convicted can be a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. McElrath is being held on a $20,000 / 10% bond, and also has to wear a tether.
The Sterling Heights Police would like to remind the public that each and every threat of this nature will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent.
The Macomb County Prosecutors Office authorized on the warrant, and wished to provide the following statement to the media:
Eric Smith, Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney stated:
"I can't stress this enough - any and all threats to our schools will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you haven't done so already, I urge every parent, teacher and administrator to take time out of their day to discuss the rash of arrests that have occurred since the senseless tragedy in Parkland, Florida. Don't wait - have the discussion now.”