ROMULUS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Romulus man has been charged in connection with a shooting near Romulus Middle School earlier this week that prompted a lockdown.
Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report:
Related story: Secretary's quick thinking prevents tragedy at Romulus Middle School
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Shawntez Marshaun Gregory with multiple felonies, including False Report or Threat of Terrorism, Schools – Intentional Threat to Commit Act of Violence Against School, School Employees or Students with Specific Intent to Carry Out or Overt Act, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Weapon in a Weapons Free School Zone, Reckless Use of a Firearm, and two counts of Felony Firearm in connection to the incident.
Watch below: 'She could just tell': Secretary's quick thinking prevents tragedy at Romulus Middle School
Gregory was outside of Romulus Middle School around 9:50 a.m. when he attempted to enter the building.
Prosecutors say he was about a foot away from the building when he fired the gun seven times. He did not fire directly at the school.
“This case is every parent’s nightmare. The defendant allegedly fired a gun several times in proximity to the school when he was denied entry to get his son," Worthy said in a statement. "The immediate reporting of an active shooter by the school allowed the Romulus Police to quickly respond and apprehend the defendant. Luckily, no one was harmed."
During the arraignment, Gregory swore multiple times at the judge, insulting her, refusing to answer questions.
At the arraignment at 34th District Court Thursday, Judge Lisa Martin stated the accusations against Gregory, going into detail about how he has a son that attends the middle school, and attempted to enter the building with a gun Tuesday. However, even before that day, Gregory had a no trespassing order from the school and was not allowed anywhere near his son, because he’s also been accused of attempting to kidnap him.
You can see the arraignment in the video below.
The superintendent of the Romulus School District, Dr. Benjamin P. Edmondson, emphasized that safety has always been a priority for the district. The district conducts multiple active shooter trainings throughout the school year and has installed weapons detection systems at all school buildings within the last few years.
Watch our previous report when the incident happened below:
While acknowledging that communication wasn't perfect during the incident Tuesday — some parents didn't receive automated emails or calls about the lockdown — Edmondson said the district will work on improvements while celebrating that everyone remained safe.
"I'm not perfect. We're not perfect. But you know what — everything worked out perfectly," Edmondson said.
