Farmington Hills, Mich. – A 24-year-old man from Michigan, Shawn Bonner, has been arraigned on charges of making terrorist threats against police officers, including targeting one officer’s family. The charges stem from a series of incidents beginning with a traffic stop and escalating to threats of violence. Bonner now faces a felony charge of False Report or Threat of Terrorism, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He is currently held in Oakland County Jail with a $100,000 cash surety bond.

Series of Incidents Leading to Charges

The initial encounter with police occurred on May 23, 2024, during a traffic stop. Bonner was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his girlfriend, Kyrstin Elliott, which was found to be operating without insurance. During this stop, officers discovered Bonner had an outstanding warrant from Redford’s 17th District Court for obstructing a police officer and failing to appear in court. When officers attempted to arrest him, Bonner resisted by lying about his identity and barricading himself in the car among his two young children.

Escalation and Threats

Bonner was released on a personal bond despite his prior failure to appear in court. However, the situation deteriorated further on June 9, 2024, when Bonner called the Farmington Hills Police Department. He referenced the traffic stop and threatened to assault and shoot the officers involved. The following day, he escalated his threats by calling the father of one of the arresting officers, leaving a voicemail that included the officer’s home address and a warning that they were not safe.

Attempted Arrest and Further Resistance

Farmington Hills detectives, assisted by the Redford Police Department, located Bonner and Elliott on June 11, 2024, attempting to arrest him again. Bonner resisted by barricading himself in the vehicle and using his children as a shield. After a 45-minute standoff, police were forced to break the car window to apprehend him, fearing he might use the vehicle as a weapon.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Bonner is charged with one count of False Report or Threat of Terrorism, a serious felony with a potential 20-year prison sentence. The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office also issued a warrant for resisting and obstructing a police officer from the initial traffic stop incident, a charge punishable by up to two years in prison.

Statements from Authorities

Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King expressed his concerns over Bonner’s actions and their impact on public safety and respect for law enforcement. He praised the officers’ efforts to manage the situation without harm to Bonner’s children and emphasized the department’s commitment to procedural justice and constitutional policing. Chief King also acknowledged the support from Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in addressing the threats and ensuring justice is served.

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