What began as a fist fight at a high school graduation in Michigan on Tuesday has turned into a search for a 20-year-old suspect in what officials are calling a prevented mass shooting attempt.
Oakland County authorities are searching for 20-year-old Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman — who is currently on probation for a weapons offense — in connection with the attempt at the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac (ATAP) graduation, Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced in a press conference on Friday.
Another 19-year-old suspect is in custody, whose identity is not being released until charges are filed. Bouchard said the 19-year-old suspect also has a criminal history involving weapons.
Oakland County Sheriff deputies were initially dispatched at 6:40 p.m. to the graduation held at the United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) property for a fight. A person approached deputies at the scene and informed them a family member had seen a threat posted on Snapchat to shoot up the ceremony, Bouchard said.
Authorities are not sure of the post’s specific wording, as it has been taken down, but witnesses said it was along the lines of “was going to shoot up the crowd,” Bouchard said.
The two suspects, both Pontiac residents, were identified as individuals who were part of the fight and had been seen putting packages under cars in the parking lot when authorities arrived, according to Bouchard.
Working with the UWM security team and their camera system, officials recovered two fully-loaded weapons at the scene. Each weapon also had a 40-round magazine.
“So just those two weapons without changing magazines, had 80 rounds of potential firepower,” Bouchard said. “Shooting into a graduation, you can only imagine the outcome of that.”
One of the suspects, who Bouchard did not specify, was carrying a pink, AR-style pistol with the loaded magazine in a backpack that was stashed under a vehicle when officers arrived. The other weapon recovered was a Glock semi-automatic handgun with a 40-round stick magazine.
It is unknown if the suspects once attended the charter school, but Bouchard said they did have friends and relatives at the graduation and “ongoing disputes with individuals in the community.” The sheriff said the motive behind the attempted shooting is unclear.
The other parties involved in the disputes are not cooperating with authorities, according to Bouchard.
“While a brief physical altercation did take place inside the venue, it was quickly handled by staff and security, and those involved were promptly removed,” the school wrote in a social media post. “Thankfully, no one within the ceremony was harmed, and we were able to continue and complete our beautiful commencement celebration without further disruption.”
The 19-year-old suspect fled the scene, but was found after the graduation. Bouchard said he is “confident” Hardiman will be located.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding Hardiman’s whereabouts to call 911. Bouchard advised community members not to try to apprehend or approach the suspect.
When asked by reporters if Bouchard had anything to say to Hardiman, he replied: “Turn yourself in. One way or another we’re going to get you. Make it easier on yourself and the community.”
