Hazel Park mom charged for alleged threat against high school

HAZEL PARK — The parent of a student in the Hazel Park Public Schools district is facing criminal charges after allegedly threatening to blow up the high school. 

The suspect is Ryan Dunlap, 32, of Hazel Park. Police say that staff at Hazel Park High School called her on the phone the morning of Nov. 28 regarding a disciplinary issue involving her son. 

Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz said that Dunlap didn’t take the news well, turning hostile and allegedly telling staff, “And now you’re going to see the school blown up.” 

The school resource officer immediately began to investigate the incident with police, who then arrested Dunlap at her home shortly thereafter. 

As for the incident that had led school staff to contact Dunlap, Buchholz confirmed that Dunlap’s 15-year-old son had been arrested and charged as a juvenile in a separate incident for reportedly resisting and obstructing police, and for making a threat using an electronic device. That threat was allegedly directed toward two girls whom the student thought were going to report him for something he had posted on social media. 

At press time, the teen was being held at Children’s Village — a juvenile detention facility — pending his court case. Since he is a minor, his name will not be released.

Dunlap was arraigned on Nov. 30 before Magistrate Tanya Bowers in Hazel Park 43rd District Court. She has been charged with one felony count of making a false report or threat of terrorism, and two misdemeanor counts of malicious use of a telecommunications service. Her bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety. 

“All threats are taken very seriously. We can’t take a chance guessing if a threat is fake or not,” Buchholz said in an email. “(Terrorist threats) cause fear and panic — maybe not for everyone, but it doesn’t matter. It is disruptive for the schools, students, staff, community, and for the Police Department. Some of these investigations require a lot of manpower and evidence gathering.” 

The chief said that anyone who hears or sees a possible threat should report it immediately so it can be investigated. One avenue is through OK2SAY on the state’s website, michigan.gov, where anyone can anonymously make reports 24 hours a day. 

“If someone is acting different and speaks of harming themselves or others, it needs to be reported,” Buchholz said. “We are thankful the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office is taking a strong stance on this issue. We don’t have the luxury of seeing inside someone’s brain to know if a threat is credible or not.”

Dunlap’s attorney, according to court records, Paulette Michel Loftin, could not be reached for comment. 

Amy Kruppe, the superintendent of Hazel Park Public Schools, said both situations happened outside of school and that the district worked with the Hazel Park Police Department.

“We will continue to collaborate with them on items that happen inside the school, and when requested, items that happen outside the school,” Kruppe said.