PONTIAC, MI – A potentially deadly mass shooting at a Michigan school graduation ceremony was averted thanks to a tip from the public and the swift response of law enforcement, officials announced Friday.

Authorities have arrested one suspect and are actively searching for another in connection with the foiled plot.

According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the incident unfolded on Tuesday, June 3, during a graduation ceremony for the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac, held at a local business in Pontiac.

Deputies were already on site responding to a physical altercation when a concerned individual approached them with a disturbing report.

“A person informed our deputies that a family member had seen a Snapchat post threatening to ‘shoot up’ the graduation,” Sheriff Bouchard said during a Friday press conference.

Based on that information, deputies initiated an immediate investigation.

Law enforcement soon discovered two loaded firearms equipped with high-capacity magazines concealed beneath vehicles in the parking lot.

Sheriff Bouchard stated that the quick response by officers “probably prevented a mass shooting.”

As part of the ongoing investigation, 19-year-old Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley was taken into custody.

A second suspect, 20-year-old Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman, remains at large.

Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to contact law enforcement or call 911 immediately.

Neither suspect is a student of the Arts and Technology Academy, which serves grades K-12, but both have personal or familial connections to attendees, Sheriff Bouchard noted.

The investigation suggests that both men were involved in “ongoing disputes with individuals in the community.”

“Both suspects have a documented history involving firearms and violent behavior,” Bouchard added, expressing concern about how close the community came to experiencing another tragedy. “This was disturbingly close to being another mass casualty event.”

The incident is especially alarming for Oakland County, where Oxford High School was the site of a 2021 mass shooting carried out by student Ethan Crumbley, which left four students dead and several others injured.

Bouchard emphasized the importance of public vigilance in preventing acts of violence. “If you see something, say something. That simple act can save lives,” he said.

While the Snapchat threat was seen prior to the ceremony, it was not reported to law enforcement until after officers had already arrived on scene in response to the unrelated altercation.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are working to determine the full scope of the suspects’ intentions.

Anyone with information regarding Jamarion Hardiman is asked to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office or dial 911 immediately.