Saginaw Man Charged with Threatening Mass Shooting at Medical Office in Apparent Attempt to Control Estranged Wife
SAGINAW, MI — June 9, 2025 — A deeply disturbing case has emerged out of Saginaw, Michigan, where a 47-year-old man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a medical facility where his estranged wife is employed.
According to police and court documents, Kenneth J. Combs of Saginaw is accused of sending a threatening text message to his wife on Thursday, June 5, in which he claimed he was going to “come to her job and shoot the place up.” The intended target, identified by authorities, was the Roosevelt S. Ruffin Building of Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, located at 229 Gallagher Road.
Investigators say the threat was clearly aimed at instilling fear and asserting control over Combs’ wife, with whom he is reportedly estranged. Law enforcement officials have labeled the alleged actions as not only a form of domestic intimidation but a potential act of terrorism had it been carried out.
Police were immediately notified upon discovery of the threatening message, and swift action was taken to ensure the safety of staff, patients, and the broader community. Officers from the Saginaw Police Department secured the medical facility and launched a rapid investigation to assess the credibility and immediacy of the threat.
Kenneth Combs was located, taken into custody without incident, and has since been charged with making a terroristic threat, a felony under Michigan law. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Additional charges may be filed pending further investigation.
Authorities are crediting the quick actions of the medical center’s staff and law enforcement with preventing what could have been a catastrophic event. “This could have easily turned into a tragedy,” said one Saginaw police official. “Thankfully, no one was physically harmed, but the emotional and psychological impact of this kind of threat is very real.”
The case has also drawn attention to the broader issues of domestic violence, coercive control, and the dangerous escalation of threats into potential acts of mass violence. Experts note that threats like the one made by Combs are often red flags for further violence and should always be taken seriously.
The Great Lakes Bay Health Centers has released a statement expressing gratitude for the swift response by law enforcement and affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of all employees and patients. “We take all threats seriously, and we are grateful that everyone is safe,” the statement read. “We are providing support to our staff and will continue to work closely with authorities.”
Combs is currently being held while awaiting arraignment and a bond hearing. Prosecutors are expected to push for continued detention, citing the severity of the alleged threat and the risk he may pose to the victim and the public.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left reckoning with the unsettling reality that even trusted places like medical facilities are not immune to the ripple effects of domestic conflict and gun-related threats.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or threats, local authorities urge you to reach out to support organizations or call 911 in case of an emergency.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are asking anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact the Saginaw Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the intersection between domestic violence and public safety—and the critical importance of swift, coordinated responses to threats before they turn into tragedies.