NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities have arrested an adult man after a teen “accidentally” detonated a homemade explosive device inside Newaygo High School Monday.
33-year-old David Robert Daniel Saylor was charged Tuesday with one count of manufacture or possession of Molotov Cocktail and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Saylor is also charged as a habitual offender.
A probable cause conference for Saylor is set for March 18, 2021 at the 78th District Court in White Cloud.
According to the Michigan State Police (MSP), Saylor is the father of the 16-year-old who detonated the device, injuring themselves, four other classmates, and a teacher.
The teenager was taken to the hospital for his injuries. According to the Associated Press, the boy lost both his thumbs in the explosion.
MSP said additional explosive devices were located at a home Monday night during a search warrant tied to the investigation. The explosive devices were safely detonated by the MSP Bomb Squad.
Authorities returned to the home Tuesday afternoon, where even more explosive equipment was located and safely detonated.
The device, which was originally reported as a firework, also caused smoke to fill the halls. The school administration called 911, and the building was immediately evacuated; students were transferred to the bus garage.
The student who detonated the explosive was released from the hospital Tuesday as well. Police said Wednesday he's been placed with other family members and is suspended pending expulsion proceedings.
Related video:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.