State police began investigating Stewart Lee Simon after what they called a “courageous” person told Simon’s family members he was planning violence.
Searching his home, police found pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, toxic chemicals, guns and writings detailing plans for violent acts, first against his family and then against the public in protest of the government for perceived wrongdoings.
“I think there’s no question that we stopped a really horrible, horrible incident taking place.”
Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matt Roberts acknowledges those who reported concerns to authorities.
“Courage exhibited, certainly, by that third person, and then by the family to come forward with these things, is what really needs to be praised here, because too often, in cases like this, when the worst case scenario does come to be, you often hear people say, ‘Well, you know, I always thought there were concerns about that person there or something didn't sit right about something that happened, but I didn't say anything.’”
Simon was arrested at his workplace in Oceana County where he was carrying a gun and resisted police.
He now faces charges of terrorism and unlawful explosives in Muskegon County along with weapons and resisting charges in Oceana County where he remains in jail with court proceedings scheduled for next week.
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