Man arrested in armed attempt to enter middle school
Romulus police are continuing to investigate circumstances surrounding an armed man arrested at Romulus Middle School Tuesday morning.
According to police reports, officers responded to the middle school on Wick Road at about 9:53 a.m. following reports of an “active shooter” at the school. School employees observed a man brandishing a handgun attempting to enter the school through the main doors. The school was immediately placed on lockdown by employees and police notified. There were reports of shots fired, according to police reports of the incident.
Unconfirmed reports claimed that the man fired six rounds attempting to gain access to the building.
Officers were on the scene within 2 minutes and observed the 44-year-old man near the main doors to the school and immediately took him into custody. A handgun was recovered at the scene, police said.
Police said the investigation into the subject’s motive or intentions is ongoing but stressed there is no threat to the school or the community.
Police commended the quick action of school employees who recognized the danger took immediate action and called 911. “Their professional and timely actions may have prevented this incident from becoming much worse,” police said in a prepared statement.
"It’s your worst nightmare if it doesn’t go well. So, great relief that officers were able to get here so quickly, that the school did all the right things, that our protocols that were in place worked. It worked the way it supposed to," said Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight praised the fast action of the police department and school officials who immediately placed the school on soft lockdown.
“Safety protocols and quick acting staff made all the difference in the world today,” McCraight said in a social media post. “Joint efforts between Romulus Community Schools and Romulus Police Department helped prevent what could have been a tragedy if we weren't prepared. A deep heartfelt thank you to everyone who responded appropriately to keep our children safe.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was also aware of the incident and noted that her office was closely following the incident and was in contact with police officials. “Thank you to law enforcement and school personnel for acting quickly to keep students and staff safe,” Whitmer said.
Police have asked anyone with information related to the incident to contact Det. Sgt. J. Otter at (734) 942-6857. Callers may remain anonymous, police said.
