Coldwater man charged with making threats against police and other community targets

A Coldwater man has been charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism after allegedly threatening to carry out mass violence against law enforcement and community targets.

28-year-old Michael Paul Young, was arraigned in Branch County District Court , where Magistrate Valerie White set his bond at $250,000 cash or surety.

Because Young has a prior felony conviction, prosecutors have also filed a habitual offender enhancement alongside the terrorism charge, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the threats were made on Saturday, while a Branch County sheriff’s deputy was transporting Young from Portage back to the Branch County Jail.

During the ride, Young reportedly made explicit statements detailing plans to plant bombs at the Branch County courthouse, the police department, and multiple other locations throughout Coldwater.

Read more: WTVB