A 20-year-old St. Clair Shores man is being held on a $5 million dollar bond after authorities say he planned to carry out an act of violence against a school. Prosecutors allege that Joel Edwards posted alarming TikTok content expressing a desire to commit a mass shooting, which triggered an urgent multi-agency investigation.
According to officials, the FBI notified Michigan State Police about the online threats, leading to a welfare check by St. Clair Shores Police on September 13, 2025. During that check, investigators say they recovered weapons in Edwards’ possession and took him into custody for a mental health evaluation.
Edwards has been lodged at the Macomb County Jail since September 25, 2025 after a probation violation sent him back behind bars. Now he faces three serious felony charges including a 10 year offense for intentional threats against a school, another 10 year count for using a computer to commit a crime, and a two year felony firearm charge that must run consecutively if convicted.
Edwards was arraigned Friday in the 40th District Court before Judge Joseph Craigen Oster. In addition to the high bond, the judge ruled that if Edwards is released he must wear a GPS tether, remain on strict home confinement, and have no contact with any school building or student. A probable cause conference is set for December 16 at 8:30 a.m, with a preliminary examination scheduled for December 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J Lucido said there is no ongoing threat to the public thanks to the rapid and coordinated response of federal, state, and local agencies.
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.
All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Discuss this on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Mt9Q6vAsm/
