GUN INCIDENT NEAR HANDY MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMPTS ARRESTS IN BAY CITY
BAY CITY, MICH. — In a swift and coordinated response to a potentially dangerous situation near a local school, the Bay City Department of Public Safety successfully apprehended three individuals following a 911 report of a firearm sighting early Thursday morning.
On May 15, 2025, at approximately 6:59 a.m., authorities received an emergency call reporting a “red SUV” seen in the vicinity of Handy Middle School, with a passenger allegedly holding a firearm. The call prompted immediate action from the department, with School Resource Officers immediately notifying school officials. As a precautionary measure, Handy Middle School was placed in secure mode, ensuring the safety of students and staff while the situation unfolded nearby.
By 7:11 a.m., officers successfully located a red Ford Explorer matching the description given by the caller. The vehicle was stopped near the intersection of Blend Street and W. Clara Street, just blocks from the school.
During the search of the vehicle, officers discovered a concealed 9mm AR pistol hidden within. The firearm was seized as evidence. Authorities arrested three male suspects, all residents of Bay City. Two of the individuals are 18 years old, and the third is a 16-year-old juvenile.
All three suspects were arrested on charges of possession of a concealed firearm. The two adults were taken to the Bay County Jail, while the juvenile was transported to the Bay County Juvenile Detention Center. The case is currently under review by the Bay County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine the formal charges and potential court proceedings.
The quick identification and arrest of the suspects highlight the effective coordination between emergency dispatchers, patrol officers, and school personnel. Although the firearm was not discharged and no injuries occurred, the presence of a weapon so close to a school has raised understandable concern throughout the community.
“This is a sobering reminder of how crucial it is to remain vigilant,” said a spokesperson for the Bay City Department of Public Safety. “Thanks to the prompt reporting by a community member and the rapid response of our officers, we were able to resolve this situation before anyone was harmed.”
The department is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with additional information, photos, or video related to this incident to come forward. Members of the public are encouraged to contact:
- Bay City Department of Public Safety: 989-892-8571
- Bay County Central Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 989-892-9551
To provide information anonymously, individuals may contact Crime Stoppers through one of the following methods:
- Call: 1-800-422-JAIL (5245)
- Use the P3 mobile app
- Visit: P3Tips.com
Photos and videos related to the case can be submitted directly through the P3 app or website.
As the investigation progresses, Bay City authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of students, school staff, and the wider community. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.