Man Facing Assault Charges After Allegedly Holding Kids At Gunpoint Over 'Vandalized' Donald Trump Sign
ALLEN PARK (WWJ) - A Downriver man is facing several charges after he allegedly chased after a group of kids, held them at gunpoint and accused them of vandalizing his Donald Trump sign.
Allen Park police arrested 56-year-old Michael Kubek after the group of children -- who are between the age of 12 and 14 -- said he chased them with a gun, and then ordered them not to move.
The incident happened around 8 p.m. on October 29. Kubek allegedly told police he heard a group of kids outside of his home, on Sterling Avenue near Moore Avenue, and when he looked out of the window, he saw his Trump sign on the ground and the kids running away, according to The News Herald.
Kubek called 911 and reported the group had vandalized his lawn sign. Although he didn't witness any of the children touching his sign -- his own admission to police -- Kubek, armed with a pistol, then left his home and chased after the kids. When he caught up to them at the corner of Pennsylvania and Sterling, it's alleged that Kubek pulled out his gun, pointed it at the kids and made them sit down in the grass.
When an officer arrived on the scene, he reportedly found Kubek yelling and cursing at the six children. Kubek allegedly told the officer he was angry that the kids destroyed his lawn sign -- and his home security cameras could prove they did it. The officer asked Kubek to go back to his home while he interviewed the children, and he complied.
The kids told police they were heading to a nearby park to hang out when Kubek ran out of his home, screaming and cursing at them. All six denied ever touching the Trump sign -- and police say there's no evidence that they were involved in any vandalism.
Back at Kubek's home, he allegedly told the officer he was especially angry because his Trump signs have been damaged in the past. When asked if he pulled a gun on the youngsters, Kubek admitted he did, according to the newspaper, allegedly saying he felt threatened because he was outnumbered. Kubek, who is a Concealed Pistol License holder, allegedly went on to tell the officer he used the gun, which was unloaded, because he "wanted to scare the kids."
At that point, the officer took possession of Kubek's gun and placed him under arrest.
On Nov. 1, Kubek was arraigned in 24th District Court on six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of felony firearm. After posting 10 percent of a $5,000 bond, he was released. He's due back in court on Dec. 5 for a probable cause hearing, with a preliminary exam set for Dec. 12.
