5 Students Arrested After 'Prank' Forces Evacuation Of Shelby Township Middle School

SHELBY TWP. (WWJ) - Five students are facing criminal charges after their Shelby Township middle school had to be evacuated following an end of the year "prank."

The incident unfolded Thursday morning at Malow Junior High School, located in the area of 25 Mile and Mound roads.

Staffers say the suspects allegedly set the smoke bombs off inside the school's cafeteria. One staff member was sent to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation.

School administrators tell WWJ all students and staff were evacuated from the building after a student released at least two smoke bombs in the cafeteria, filling the building with smoke.

Officers arrested five juvenile students at the scene, all from Malow Jr. High, and transported them to the police department. Officials say the students will be taken to the Macomb County Juvenile Facility pending review of charges by the prosecutor's office.

Acting Deputy Chief Jason Schmittler says they'll be held in the Macomb County Juvenile Facility pending review charges by the Prosecutor's Office:

"Felony charges, I mean it could be anything from fireworks to attempt(ed) arson to burn, we'll just have to look at all the facts once we have the investigation complete," Schmittler said.

An investigation is ongoing. Police are asking any witnesses to contact investigators at 586-731-2121.