FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a disturbing series of events in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Shawn Bonner, 24, has been arrested and faces serious charges after using his own children as human shields during confrontations with law enforcement.
The initial encounter.
The incidents began in May when Bonner was pulled over by Farmington Hills Police alongside his girlfriend, Kyrstin Elliot, who was found to be driving without insurance. Police discovered Bonner had an outstanding warrant for obstructing a police officer in Redford and failing to appear in court.
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During the initial encounter, Bonner resisted arrest, lying about his identity and barricading himself in the backseat of the vehicle with his children. Elliot, meanwhile, exacerbated the situation by attempting to physically confront the officers. This led to charges against both: Elliot for interfering with a police officer and Bonner for resisting and obstructing.
Escalating legal troubles.
Despite being released on a personal bond (no money posted) following his arraignment, Bonner failed to appear for his subsequent court date, compounding his legal troubles. His behavior escalated dramatically on June 9th when he called the Farmington Hills Police Department, threatening officers with physical harm.
According to law enforcement, Bonner threatened to bring a gang to assault officers as well as shoot and kill them. Bonner is also alleged to be a member of the “Sovereign Citizen Movement,” an anti- government extremist group.
The following day, he left a chilling voicemail for the father of one of the arresting officers, disclosing his son’s address and saying that he wasn’t “safe.”
Police efforts to apprehend Bonner in Redford turned volatile when Elliot, behind the wheel, refused to comply with orders to stop, prompting a pursuit. Subsequently cornered, Bonner again used his children as shields, refusing to exit the vehicle for nearly 45 minutes while making further threats against the officers.
Law enforcement response.
Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King expressed grave concern over Bonner’s disregard for the law and the safety of his own family, saying, “I am concerned by the increasing lack of respect for the rule of law and law enforcement and the confrontations it continues to create between the public and the police.”
Serious charges and upcoming court appearance.
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Bonner now faces a charge of false report or threat of terrorism, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. He is currently held in the Oakland County Jail on a $100,000 bond. His upcoming
court appearance on June 24th will address multiple charges stemming from his resistance to arrest and his alarming threats against officers and their families.
Broader implications for public safety.
The case has drawn attention not only for its egregious nature but also for the broader implications regarding public safety and the rule of law. Chief King acknowledged the efforts of his officers in managing the volatile situations created by Bonner’s actions, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and adherence to legal protocols to ensure community well-being.
