Woodhaven man identified in Election Day bomb threat that shut down Gibraltar polling place

Gibraltar police have identified an adult suspect from Woodhaven in connection with a bomb threat that forced the evacuation of a voting site at Carlson High School on Election Day. The incident, reported at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2, prompted a multi-agency response that temporarily moved voters outside to the school’s parking lot.

Gibraltar Police Chief Bruce Bullard confirmed the identification of the suspect in an interview with Local 4. He stated that Gibraltar detectives worked alongside an investigator from the Woodhaven Police Department to pinpoint the individual. Bullard declined to share specific details regarding the investigative steps taken, noting that the Woodhaven police hold most of that information.

The threat required an immediate search of both Carlson High School and the adjacent Shumate Middle School. Multiple bomb-detection K9 units assisted Downriver law enforcement agencies in clearing the buildings. Sergeant Gary Robinson verified that both facilities were safe after the searches were completed.

Because Carlson High School serves as the polling location for voters in Brownstown Township Precincts 8 and 11, the evacuation directly impacted ballot casting. Officials moved voters to the outdoor parking lot, where they continued to vote while officers investigated the threat. Bullard indicated that voters were likely to be allowed back inside once the all-clear was given.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is expected to review the case for possible felony charges. Bullard said the suspect will face those charges if the prosecutor’s office approves them. He emphasized the severity of making false bomb threats, particularly on a day when public safety and access to voting locations are top priorities for local law enforcement.