A potentially devastating act of violence may have been prevented thanks to the instincts and actions of a security officer during a high school graduation at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac.
Two men, Deahveon Whaley and Jamarion Hardiman, are now facing weapons charges after allegedly plotting to open fire during the graduation ceremony for the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac. On Monday, not guilty pleas were entered on their behalf.
The suspects are accused of hiding weapons in the parking lot outside the venue. Both men face charges of carrying a firearm with unlawful intent, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon.
The plot began to unravel when a fight broke out inside the venue.
Michael Johnson, a former Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy now working as a security officer for Fortis Security Group, sensed something worse could follow. Acting on instinct and training, Johnson called 911 and requested a police presence.
“We kicked a bunch out, but we think there’s still some hovering in the parking lot,” Johnson told the dispatcher. He requested four patrol units.
In an interview, Johnson recounted the critical moment: “Somebody yelled ‘Fight, fight, fight,’ and I took off running. By the time I got inside, the other security had it under control. But I had a gut feeling something more was coming.”
That instinct proved right. Shortly after, Johnson received a phone call from someone warning that threats were circulating on Snapchat—threats about a possible shooting as families exited the ceremony.
Johnson, just feet from a responding sergeant, put the caller on speakerphone so law enforcement could hear the tip firsthand. Sheriff’s deputies were quickly mobilized.
Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac Superintendent Septembra Williams credited Johnson with helping to save lives.
“He brought his training. He brought his eyes. He noticed something and acted fast,” Williams said. “We’re grateful.”
The situation highlights a growing concern among school officials. With more than 50 school buildings under its care in the Metro Detroit area, Fortis Security Group and the school district see added security as not just helpful, but essential.
“School is part of the community,” said Fortis Group Security CEO Brian Bastianelli. “And community problems often enter school grounds.”
Michael Johnson humbly refers to himself as a “sheepdog,” protecting the flock from danger.
“That’s exactly what I did,” he said. “I protected the flock from the wolves.”
The superintendent emphasized the need for additional security, especially during high-profile events. “All schools should really consider this kind of security presence,” she said.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected as the case develops.
