Bond set at $500,000 for suspect who allegedly fired shots in school lot

WARREN — The suspect who allegedly fired shots in the parking lot of the Michigan Collegiate school on June 5 is in custody facing charges.

Jordan Barry Thomas, 22, of Detroit, was arraigned in the 37th District Court on June 9 on a slew of weapons-related offenses including assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a weapon in a weapons-free school zone. He faces up to four years in jail.

It was alleged that Thomas fired shots in the parking lot of the school on Ryan Road, north of 13 Mile Road.

According to Warren police, Thomas is not a student at the school that has students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. He was reportedly accompanied by other nonstudents in what was said to be retaliation for a fight that happened previously.       

Allegedly, at dismissal of the school day, an altercation between two groups happened in front of the school near the buses where the suspect allegedly fired multiple shots from a semiautomatic handgun in the air.

Warren police responded to a “shots fired” call at approximately 2:40 p.m. The shooter reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived, according to police.

There were no injuries reported.

Police said surveillance cameras and witnesses revealed that a male suspect fired multiple shots in the air.

At approximately 4 p.m. on June 8, the Warren Police Department’s Special Operations Unit arrested the suspect without incident at his place of employment in Farmington. According to police, a semiautomatic pistol was taken from Thomas when he was arrested.

Police said in a statement that the firearm is believed to be the gun used in the original incident.

Judge William Crouchman set bond for Thomas at $500,000 cash or surety.

“I am grateful to the judge for setting an appropriate bond that reflects the seriousness of this incident,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer.  “It is important to stress how lucky we were that no one was injured.”

Thomas’ next court date is June 20. A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. before Judge Michael Chupa in the 37th District Court.

The defense attorney of record is Kendall Sailler, who did not respond to a request for comment by press deadline.